Whiteman begins holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony

  • Published
  • By Airman Piara Macay
  • 509th Contracting Squadron
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo., --  The annual tree lighting ceremony will be held Dec. 1 at the Missions End , marking the beginning of this year's holiday celebrations.

With the theme 'Year of the Air Force Family,' military members, civilians and their families are all invited to witness and take part in the event that will start at 5:15 p.m.

According to Connie Koch, Director of the Whiteman Community Center, last year's tree lighting ceremony was exciting and was well attended by Team Whiteman and their families.

"More than 400 people came, 200 of which are children -- they came with their parents of course!" she joked referring to the number of children who came.

This year, the tree outside the Mission's End will be adorned with lights of different colors and lighted in conjunction with a Menorah, a candelabrum lit as a symbol of Hanukkah.

Following an invocation from a base chaplain, Brig. Gen. Robert Wheeler, 509th Bomb Wing commander, is expected to give a welcome speech before lighting the tree, which in the past years was done by inviting children to help turn on the switch.

Another highlight of the celebration will be Santa Claus, arriving on a fire truck, carrying gifts for all the kids who are present. Ms. Koch said that this is something that children really enjoy seeing.

Santa Claus will stay for the duration of the program so children can take pictures of him and with him. Everyone is encouraged to bring their cameras and capture these memorable moments.

Refreshments will be served at the club following the tree lighting ceremony. A children's bingo will also be hosted for children of all ages, as well assome other surprises!" Ms. Koch said.

Attendees can donate non-perishable food items for the base food pantry in exchange for craft materials, which they can use to decorate their Christmas trees at home.

"We hope everyone will come and enjoy the evening, since this is the Year of the Air Force family," Ms. Koch concluded.

This year's program is sponsored by theWhiteman Community Activity Center, Mission's End, the 509th Force Support Squadron Marketing Department and the Youth Center.