Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/102924
Special Hauls by Brad Bentley Standing Tall 2012 U.S. Capitol Christmas tree makes a cross-country journey to symbolize a light in the dark for us all Continuing a hallowed American tradition that originated nearly 50 years ago, a lighting ceremony for the 2012 U.S. Capitol Christmas tree was conducted on December 4. Thanks to the efforts of Mack Trucks and former Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, the tree arrived in Washington, D.C. on time and intact. Known as "The People's Tree", this year's version was a 73-ft. Engelmann Spruce that was harvested near Meeker, Colorado, in early November. For 23 days, it traveled to towns and cities across the U.S. on a custom-decorated, Mack Pinnacle truck. Colorado Congressman Scott Tipton referenced that a Mack truck brought the tree to the Capitol during the ceremony prior to Speaker of the House John Boehner and an Eagle Scout from Colorado After the lighting ceremony, visitors were able to view the tree nightly from dusk to 11 p.m. throughout the holiday season. You can watch a video clip of the tree lighting ceremony at www.cspanvideo.org. For additional photos or to hear the song "Standing Tall", visit www.capitolchristmastree2012.org. Editor's note: The 2013 U.S. Capitol Christmas tree will be coming from the Colville National Forest in Washington (state) and Randall-Reilly Publishing will continue to be the trucking media sponsor for the project. Expect several updates throughout the year. CHANGING LANES on the lights together. There was another trucking connection at this year's lighting ceremony thanks to the talents of country music 32 spokesperson for the Truckload Carriers Association's Highway Angel program. Lawler became involved with the tree when she wrote a song that was chosen Beating out nearly 300 competitors, "Standing Tall" describes the tree's travel across America and its lyrics also JANUARY 2013 // WWW.CHANGINGLANESDIGITAL.COM