Holidays arrive with a sparkle in Area IV

By PV2 Chun, Taek Jun, USAG Daegu Public AffairsDecember 16, 2015

Soldier Memorial Chapel shines
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
When do I talk to Santa?
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Holiday Fun!
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Light 'em up!
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – DAEGU GARRISON - Despite the cold and blustery conditions, a good crowd showed up to take part in USAG Daegu's annual tree lighting ceremony, Dec. 3 at the Soldier Memorial Chapel on Camp Walker. A second tree lighting was held Dec. 10 at the Camp Ca... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

DAEGU GARRISON -- All across the United States, families decorate their homes with holiday lights and trees, while neighbors gather around and celebrate together. This was true right here at U.S. Army Garrison Daegu, at the Camp Walker Chapel Holiday Tree Lighting, Dec. 3.

Lights were strung throughout Camp Walker by the industrious DPW electricians. The Area IV community gathered at the Walker Chapel to celebrate the memorable moment of lighting the tree. Americans, Koreans, adults and kids all gathered at the Chapel with their families and friends to share the holiday spirit.

The local Love and Hope Orphanage also attended the event, highlighting the strong relationship between the Army and local community. The children from the orphanage caught the eyes of the crowd as they danced with the music to celebrate the lighting. 19th ESC Commander, Brig. Gen. John Sullivan and Garrison Commander Col. Ted Stephens were also there. Sullivan and Stephens thanked the whole community for supporting each other and praised Area IV community and the people from the Chapel for working hard to prepare for this lighting event.

Stephens remarked that although it is Holiday time and we will be merrier than ever, it is time to reflect on ourselves and take care of each other in the community as some people might be less fortunate than us. We should be mindful and take care of the people around us in the community especially during the holiday season, because someone might be depressed even more when the rest of the community is joyous.

Stephens then led the countdown after his remarks, and on the count of five, Camp Walker lit up brightly. Buildings and trees shined in the town center, but especially the Holiday tree that stood in front of the Chapel got the attention of the whole crowd. Friends and families gathered around the tree to save the moment with pictures, while singing the holiday music "Joy to the World." On cue, it began snowing right after the tree lighting - almost a Holiday miracle.

Even Santa Claus joined this joyful ceremony, riding a fire truck which arrived in front of the Chapel. When Santa Claus got out of the truck, all the kids were thrilled. They ran to Santa to welcome him and he obliged, hugging the children as he walked toward the Chapel. Everyone welcomed Santa and he of course handed out presents to the children to double the happiness.

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