As the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree travels cross country to Washington, D.C., it will make a stop in Milwaukee’s Cathedral Square Park on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11.
Milwaukee is one of 33 cities the 88-foot white spruce is visiting as it makes its way out to the U.S. Capitol from Minnesota’s Chippewa National Forest on a 105-foot trailer.
The tree will be in Milwaukee from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., when more than 600 students from greater Milwaukee schools will congregate in Cathedral Square. While there, students will help decorate the park for the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival.
Park festivities, which are free and open to the public, will officially begin at noon and will include carols by Fernwood Montessori School, an address from regional forester of the U.S. Forest Service Kathleen Atkinson, and a salute to all Armed Forces by the Milwaukee Fire Department Honor Guard.
Additionally, Rev. Jeff Haines of The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, will bless the Christmas tree.
Attendees will be able to take photos with the tree as well as with Santa Claus and Smokey Bear, who is celebrating 70 years. Attendees will also have a chance to sign the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree banner.
“We are honored that the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree will visit downtown Milwaukee on its way to Washington, D.C.,” said Beth Weirick, CEO Of Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21. “Our community looks forward to being a part of this gift to the nation and the joy it will bring to our own community this holiday.”
The 60 Milwaukee-area schools taking part in the celebration will have an opportunity to send a school ornament with the tree and its 70 complementary trees, all of which will end up at Washington, D.C. landmarks for the holidays.
The lighting of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will likely be held early next month once the tree is ready for display.
