Tag Archives: holiday tree

US Military Bases Start Raising Holiday Displays

In a continuation of the annual tradition, US military bases are beginning to erect “holiday displays” around the world.  Often, though not always, they consist of a Christmas tree (recognizing Christmas, for those who might not get the connection) and possibly a Menorah (for Hanukkah).  In some cases, the tree is a “holiday tree,” though the Menorah has yet to be dubbed a “holiday candelabra.”

Iwakuni performed its “holiday tree lighting” just prior to Thanksgiving, though the article acknowledges it is, in fact, a Christmas tree.  Many military bases are performing the ceremonies this weekend, including the Dyess AFB Christmas tree and Menorah, and what a local paper called the Fort Bragg “holiday tree and Menorah” lighting, though Fort Bragg announced its annual Christmas tree lighting.

Annual Tradition: Military “Holiday” Tree Lighting

Marine Corps Base Quantico recently announced it will be lighting the base “holiday tree” next week.

No word yet on whether they will also have a “holiday candelabrum.”

As previously noted, there is no military policy on public holiday celebrations on military facilities, though they are fairly common.  While some have generic “holiday” events, other bases have not obscured the celebratory purposes, including Scott AFB, Illinois, Peterson AFB, CO, and Nellis AFB in Nevada:

The traditional Nellis AFB Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting ceremony will be Dec. 3, 5:30 p.m., at the Chapel.

It appears the Capitol Christmas tree also remains traditionally named.

For the record, the Menorah lighting will actually be late.  While many people think Hanukkah and Christmas coincide, the Jewish celebration actually started on December 1st this year.