Courtesy Photo | Santa Claus arrives at the annual installation tree lighting by firetruck, Nov. 4,...... read more read more
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FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – Pennsylvania National Guard and installation leadership, local dignitaries, along with soldiers, airmen, civilian employees and neighbors gathered for the annual lighting of the Fort Indiantown Gap Holiday and Fallen Hero Tree here, Dec. 4, 2014.
The ceremony, complete with holiday music provided by the Brass in Blue Brass Quintet of the Air National Guard Band of the Northeast and the arrival of Santa Claus by firetruck, is an annual holiday tradition filled with cheer and reverent remembrance of the Pennsylvania National Guard’s fallen heroes.
“The Fallen Hero Tree has special significance to those of us in uniform as it is a tribute to those fellow Guard members that we have lost in the line of duty,” said garrison commander Lt. Col. Robert Hepner. “The lights on this tree, that shine bright, serve as a reminder to all that pass while traveling through the installation that the Pennsylvania National Guard and our Guard family have not shied away from service and remind us of those hometown heroes that have given the last full measure of devotion in service to their country.”
Pennsylvania adjutant general Maj. Gen. Wesley Craig also spoke at the ceremony and expressed gratitude to three groups the installation and the National Guard are indebted to this holiday season: fellow sisters- and brothers-in arms, the citizens of the more than 90 communities in which the Pennsylvania National Guard is located and our soldiers and airmen’s family, friends and employers.
“While everyone has their own reason for celebrating the holidays, remember to honor those to whom we owe our gratitude: our troops, our fellow citizens and our loved ones,” said Craig.
The ceremony also served as an opportunity for members of the Fort Indiantown Gap community to meet newly-elected state Rep. Russ Diamond, who represents the 102nd district that includes Fort Indiantown Gap.
"I was thrilled to be part of Fort Indiantown Gap’s solemn tree lighting ceremony,” said Diamond. Having spent my entire formative years within a stone’s throw of the Gap, I've always been aware of its important role in our community. As a state legislator, I intend to do everything possible to ensure that this installation continues to contribute to the economy and culture of Lebanon County."
The ceremony concluded with a reception at the Fort Indiantown Gap Community Club where attendees once again had a chance to revel in the holiday spirit with accompanying music, have their children visit with Santa Claus and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies.
| Date Taken: | 12.05.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 12.05.2014 10:12 |
| Story ID: | 149483 |
| Location: | FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, PA, US |
| Web Views: | 201 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Holiday, Fallen Hero Tree Lighting Ceremony held at Fort Indiantown Gap, by Ted Nichols, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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