The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is a holiday tradition celebrated annually since 1964. Each year, a tree is chosen from a different national forest and transported to Washington, D.C., where it stands proudly on the Capitol’s West Lawn. Adorned with thousands of lights and handmade ornaments, the tree becomes a vibrant symbol of holiday spirit and national unity. It serves as a festive gathering point for people across the country, with the tree lighting ceremony and other events bringing joy and a sense of togetherness to the season.
This year, the Tree was selected from the Tongass National Forest in Wrangell, Alaska, and, for the second time, Lynden Transport was chosen as the carrier (2015 and now 2024). The major task of transporting the Tree will honorably be carried out by Local 959’s own John Schank & Fred Austin, from Lynden Transport’s Fairbanks Service Center! Both Teamsters have been driving with Lynden for 45+ years! As luck would have it, this will be Brother Schank’s second time hauling our Nation’s beloved Tree. Good luck on the road, Brothers – we are so proud!
The tree will take a Whistlestop Tour from Alaska to Washington, D.C, making 11 stops on its way to the White House. Make sure to follow the Tree and its journey on https://facebook.com/USCapitolChristmasTree, https://instagram.com/uscapitolchristmastree/, and Twitter 🎄