With Christmas music playing in the background by the 3rd ID band, several children sing and dance with cheerleaders from Bradwell Institute, Dec. 5, before the lighting of the Christmas tree outside Club Stewart at Fort Stewart, Ga. (Photo by Sgt. U...

FORT STEWART, Ga. - Spirits were high and magic was in the air outside Club Stewart with Maj. Gen. John M. Murray, 3rd Infantry Division Commanding General, officiating as the annual Fort Stewart Christmas tree lighting ceremony began December 5, at Fort Stewart, Ga. The 3rd ID Mighty Marne Band provided the music as Bradwell Institute cheerleaders danced with young children to celebrate the holiday season.

Murray began the celebration with a few words saying, "It is a great time to build bonds with our local communities as well as celebrate, relax, and enjoy the half days of our upcoming Christmas break and to really connect and recharge our batteries for what I promise will be a very interesting 2014."

Murray continued by saying that when he first arrived here the tree seemed to be a little sad but thanked the many volunteers for their great effort to get the tree to the impressive state that it is today.

"Thank you for what you do. It doesn't matter if you're a soldier or a family member, thank you for what you do for this installation, this country and this Army - every day," he concluded.

These final words gave the go ahead for the official celebration to begin. While the warm temperature may not have reflected the time of year, the bursting spirit of those attending, both young and adult, reflected the truest representation of joy that the holiday season brings out in people. The Christmas tree was lit, and children sang and danced to Christmas carols with the Bradwell Institute cheerleaders and the Mighty Marne Band.

Santa Claus was also on hand to hear the Christmas wishes of the many children present celebrating the season and to take part in their special photographic memories.

With the celebration in full swing Murray took one final moment to remind everyone that during this very busy time of year it is important to enjoy the holiday season but even more important to be safe.