Capitol Christmas Tree visits Wyoming base

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Josh Edwards
  • 90th Space Wing Public Affairs
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFPN) --  The 2006 Capitol Christmas Tree stopped here Nov. 20 on its way from Washington State to Washington, D.C.

This year's tree, a 65-foot tall Pacific silver fir, is a gift from Washington state and was selected by Ted Bechtol, deputy superintendent of Capitol Grounds, from Washington's Olympic National Forest, according to the event's Web site.

The route for the 2006 Capitol Christmas Tree project took the tree over Interstate 80 in Wyoming, prompting the coordinators to arrange for the tree spend the night on base Nov. 20.

Airmen here took two-hour shifts to guard the tree in a parking lot near the main gate. The volunteers relished the opportunity to be part of an historical event.

"It's not something everyone gets to do," said Airman 1st Class Michael Urquhart, 790th Missile Security Forces Squadron. "Years from now I can look back and tell my kids I guarded the Capitol Christmas tree."

The team transporting the Christmas tree also realize they are part of a once-in-a-lifetime event.

"We're making history here," said Anna Brown, the project coordinator for the Capitol Christmas Tree. "It means the world to us, and this is our one shot."

Eduardo Olmedo, district ranger for the Olympic National Forest, agreed.

"To see the children come and watch the tree go by with smiles on their faces and the older citizens with tears in their eyes ... to see that and be part of that celebration has really touched me."

At the tree's final destination, there will be a lighting ceremony Dec. 6 at 5 p.m. in which Dennis Hastert, the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, will light the tree, a tradition that began in 1964, according to the event's Web site.