(ReclaimingAmerica.net) – In a grand American tradition of transporting the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from Alaska to Washington, D.C., which epitomizes unity and festivity, seasoned truckers John Schank and Fred Austin are at the helm.
See a photo of the two seasoned truckers in the tweet below!
An 80-foot Sitka spruce journeying over 4,000 miles captures the spirit of holiday cheer for Americans eager to join the celebration.
John Schank, a 72-year-old veteran truck driver, and Fred Austin, with 50 years at Lynden Transport, began their remarkable journey from Tongass National Forest in Alaska.
This year’s tree, affectionately named “Spruce Wayne,” represents the heart of a tradition started in 1964, distinct from the National Christmas Tree.
With nearly 100 years of combined experience, these drivers commit to safely guiding the tree to Washington, D.C. for a special November 20th delivery.
The annual “People’s Tree” journey is more than just a trip. The tree, once cut in Alaska, was first sent to Seattle by barge before starting its overland journey.
An 80-foot flatbed truck serves as the trusted vessel, equipped with protective wrapping and a plexiglass window, ensuring the tree stays in pristine condition across the miles.
Stops in Idaho, Utah, Colorado, and more allow spectators to marvel and connect with this emblem of togetherness.
Each year, a different national forest provides the Capitol Christmas Tree, a gesture rooted in celebrating America’s natural heritage under the vigilant eye of the U.S. Forest Service since 1970.
Its route includes 18 stops, where communities near and far greet the tree, enjoying its illumination and leaving messages on its banners.
This rolling celebration confirms that amidst a quickly changing world, cherished traditions still hold strong.
“My favorite part of this trip is the show-and-tell time, not the driving time,” Austin said, cited by Fox News.
John Schank’s connection to this noble task runs deep. He previously transported a Capitol Christmas Tree in 2015 and feels a sense of celebrity during stops, as people unite in admiration of “the People’s Tree.”
Now, as technology evolves, enthusiasts can track the tree’s progress online, feeling part of the journey that transcends state lines and gathers neighbors in shared celebration.
The 2023 trek has been meticulously planned, from securing the precious cargo within the trailer to coordinating each communal event along the route.
This undertaking culminates in a chorus of holiday spirit when the tree reaches America’s capital, standing proudly as a beacon of national unity and tradition during the Christmas season.
“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 declared.
The journey of “Spruce Wayne” reflects not just a tradition, but a timeless story of dedication, celebration, and the continued strength of American values.
As John Schank and Fred Austin steer this emblem of festivity towards its November deadline, Americans across the nation watch, wait, and join in the warm, glowing promise of Christmas.
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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