(DCWatchdog.com) – This year, upholding a grand American tradition, the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree’s journey is a testament to the indomitable spirit of tradition, unity, and celebration.
See a photo of the two seasoned truckers transporting the tree in the tweet below!
Charged with the honor of transporting the iconic 80-foot Sitka spruce, seasoned truck drivers John Schank and Fred Austin embark on a journey from Alaska to the heart of Washington, D.C.
Patriotism, experience, and a deep sense of duty fuel their 4,000-mile adventure, embodying the holiday magic we cherish.
The Capitol Christmas Tree has been an American holiday tradition since 1964, when Speaker of the House John McCormack first introduced the idea, Fox News notes in a report.
The People’s Tree, distinct from the National Christmas Tree, is sourced from different national forests each year, celebrating the diversity and beauty of America.
In 2023, the chosen tree is an 80-foot Sitka spruce from the picturesque Tongass National Forest in Alaska.
Revered as “Spruce Wayne,” the tree has made its way from Wrangell, Alaska, to Seattle by barge and now continues its majestic journey overland to the Capitol.
John Schank, age 72, and his colleague Fred Austin are the skilled hands behind the wheel for this monumental task.
These drivers share a century of experience between them, with Schank having moved a similar tree in 2015.
Schank calls Alaska home, and he’s embraced this journey both for the profession and the intrigue it brings.
“Oh, I don’t know. Adventure?” he muses, capturing the spirit of the journey, cited by The County Press.
As the tree makes its way to Washington, 18 selective stops allow the public to experience this symbol of unity.
From Idaho to Ohio, each state on the route adds its local flavor to the cross-country journey.
The tree is accompanied by decorations and messages from people all over the U.S., carried safely in an 80-foot flatbed truck, a task as daunting as it is inspiring.
At each stop, the lights within the protective plexiglass window flicker on, offering a glimpse of the tree’s grandeur.
“The trailer is 80 feet long and the tree just barely fits inside of it … We will take care of the precious cargo we’ve got, and we will drive accordingly,” Schank said.
For both drivers, the trek is not just about the miles covered but the shared moments. Austin finds joy in the show-and-tell aspect at each stop.
“My favorite part of this trip is the show-and-tell time, not the driving time,” he says, underscoring the human connection fostered by this nationwide journey.
The public is invited to follow the tree’s progress online through a live tracking feature from Kenworth, inviting further engagement with this uniquely American tradition.
As Schank and Austin navigate the roads toward Washington, D.C., their journey embodies the holiday spirit—bringing people together in celebration and showcasing the enduring American values of community and tradition.
John Schank and Fred Austin of @LyndenInc are hauling the Capitol Christmas Tree from Alaska to D.C. It is a fitting honor for two extraordinary professionals who have 100 years of experience and 10 million safe driving miles between them.https://t.co/MIxg6h12mr
— American Trucking (@TRUCKINGdotORG) November 10, 2024
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