A Christmas tradition
The Capitol Christmas Tree holiday tradition continues.
Each year, a national forest provides a tree to light the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the holiday season. And this year, a 63-foot Norway spruce from Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia will be delivered to Washington, D.C.
Truck drivers of course play a key role in keeping alive this decades-long tradition. Those tasked with delivering the holiday symbol this year are from Werner Enterprises.
“Werner’s selection as the 2023 Capitol Christmas Tree project carrier is truly an honor and testament to our hard work in keeping America moving, no matter the task,” said Derek Leathers, Werner’s chairman, president and CEO. “The professional drivers entrusted with this prestigious project are highly skilled and embody our core values of safety, service and leadership. They will do an exceptional job carrying out this unique project and tribute to our country.”
Werner truck drivers Jesus Davila and Tim Dean will deliver the tree to the Capitol, while the husband-and-wife team of Steve and Gina Jones will transport handmade ornaments and 84 companion trees.
The four drivers combine for decades of experience and millions of crash-free miles. All four drivers have “impeccable safety records, extensive community service and received recognition through various prestigious driver awards,” the company said.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to partake in such a prestigious event that not many professional drivers have the chance to do,” Davilla said. “The trucking industry plays a vital part in keeping America moving, and without the drivers, goods would not reach the consumers that need them. This event shows that professional drivers are needed in many capacities of the industry, both large and small.”
A Kenworth T680 Signature Edition will be used to deliver the tree.
The journey begins Nov. 4, with the tree scheduled to reach its destination Nov. 17. Events will take place at several locations along the way, including:
- Saturday, Nov. 4: Elkins Depot Welcome Center in Elkins, W.Va.
- Sunday, Nov. 5: Summersville Arena and Conference Center in Summersville, W.Va.
- Monday, Nov. 6: Mitchell Chevrolet in Marlinton, W.Va.
- Tuesday, Nov. 7: Tamarack Marketplace in Beckley, W.Va., and the West Virginia State Capitol Complex in Charleston, W.Va.
- Wednesday, Nov. 8: Former ACF Industries parking lot in Huntington, W.Va.
- Thursday, Nov. 9: White Palace at Wheeling Park in Wheeling, W.Va.
- Friday, Nov. 10: 84 Lumber in Morgantown, W.Va.
- Saturday, Nov. 11: Operation Welcome Home at Mylan Park and West Virginia University in Morgantown, W.Va.
- Sunday, Nov. 12: Swilled Dog/Raymond’s Gymnastic Center in Upper Tract, W.Va.
- Monday, Nov. 13: DavisYard in Davis, W.Va.
- Tuesday, Nov. 14: West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind in Romney, W.Va.
- Wednesday, Nov. 15: Harpers Ferry Job Corps Center in Harpers Ferry, W.Va.
- Thursday, Nov. 16: Joint Base Andrews in Prince George’s County, Md.
- Friday, Nov. 17: Delivery to West Lawn, U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.
Festivities are free and open to the public. More information about the tour events can be found at www.uscapitolchristmastree.com/calendar. LL