You could almost smell the chestnuts roasting on an open fire on Saturday night of the UTA, Dec. 8 as flames jumped into the chilly night air during the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. Col. Scott Durham, 439th Airlift Wing commander led the proceedings as thirty people of all ages stood by the fire and drank hot cider and hot chocolate. The tree was lit as the final light of the sunset faded over the horizon.
Chaplain Matthew Zimmerman gave inspirational words as the crowd huddled around the fire. He and the chapel staff also led the group in holiday songs with Jingle Bells and Frosty the snowman being the favorites.
The Blue Spruce is new this year, it was a gift from the Galaxy Community Council and it was planted in the spring on May 4 just for this annual event. (U.S. Air Force photo/William C. Pope)