FORT BENNING, Ga., (Dec. 9, 2015) -- Fort Benning held its annual Christmas tree and menorah lighting ceremony Dec. 1 at the Field of Four Chaplains.
Festivities included holiday music by Faith Middle School band and chorus and the Maneuver Center of Excellence Band, followed by a reading of the history of the menorah and Christmas tree.
Chaplain (Maj.) Darren Chester, Family Life chaplain at the Chaplain Counseling Center, said the event has been held on post for more than a decade and commemorates the traditions of the Christian and Jewish faiths.
"It's a reminder to us of the central role these two faiths play in the lives of so many of our Army Families. It is a way that we can publicly express our faith, and come together in a way that brings unity and joy," he said.
After the tree and menorah were lit, Santa Claus made an appearance, where he listened to children's Christmas wish lists in The Infantry Chapel Annex.
Chaplain (Lt. Col.) James Schaefer, Fort Benning garrison chaplain, said the upcoming season was a great opportunity for "wonders, spiritual growth and to have fun with Family and friends.
He also said the holiday season is a special time to remember those who spend Christmas far from home to serve the country.
Krysta Brandt said she and her Family have been coming to the lighting ceremony since they moved to Fort Benning,
"It's an important tradition to us, and one we hope to continue at every post we go to," she said. "This year is bittersweet because my husband will be deploying soon, but it's also special because he gets to ring in the Christmas season with the whole Family."
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