Fort Meade kicks off holiday season with tree lighting
Three, two, one…
With the flip of a switch, Fort Meade Garrison Commander Col. Christopher Nyland and a few of the fort’s children lit up 8,000 lights on the approximately 35-foot tall tree Dec. 2 at the Main Post Chapel.
Nearly 100 people joined the in-person outdoor celebration sponsored by the garrison’s Religious Support Office. The annual event was also streamed live on the installation’s Facebook page.
“It is good to be able to celebrate this annual Fort Meade tradition in person and virtually,” said Col. Suk Kim, senior garrison chaplain. “I hopethatduringthisholidayseasoneveryone is able to join together with family, friends and the community to celebrate.”
In addition to lighting up the tree, Santa Claus made an appearance.
The Fort Meade Department of Emergency Service escorted Santa in style, on top of a fire truck, as he arrived at the tree to greet the children and families that came out to see him.
The U.S. Army Field Band and the C.C. Carroll Male Chorus, a long-standing choir group from Fort Meade’s Gospel Service, entertained everyone with music and songs. Hot chocolate and snacks were served to those in attendance by the Fort Meade USO.
Col. Nyland took the opportunity to remind everyone that while for many people the season is full of joy, wonder, celebration and reconnecting, others may be struggling.
“Some people here at Fort Meade may be separated from their families, some for the very first time; others may be struggling with things going on in their lives,” said. Col. Christopher Nyland, Fort Meade’s garrison commander. “So, I ask each of you to take time during this holiday season to check on your teammates, colleagues, friends and neighbors to help make sure everyone gets through the season safe and healthy.”
Nyland also noted that taking some down time and reducing stress is essential to performing the critical missions at Fort Meade.
“I appreciate all of you taking advantage of opportunities like this and come out for a fun, relaxing event,” Nyland said.
Fort Meade has a new resource available to service members, families, Department of Defense employees and veterans to help them find resiliency services on and off post at www. ftmeaderesliency.org.
The same information will be available on kiosks throughout the garrison and on the National Security Agency campus in the new year, which is all part of a gift, along with the renovation of Kuhn Hall into the Education and Resiliency Center, from the Fort Meade Alliance.
To stay connected to other holiday activities going on at Fort Meade check out our Community Page on the Fort Meade website home. army.mil/meade or follow us on Facebook at @FtMeade.