ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. –Just in time for the holiday season, APG kept another tradition going strong with the annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony. The ceremony was held on post near the APG North (Aberdeen) AAFES Shoppette, Dec. 2. Although it was broadcast live on Facebook, this year’s event also included a large number of the APG community’s adults and kids right there on the field.
APG senior leaders were in attendance as well, including U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command and APG Senior Commander Maj. Gen. Robert Edmonson II, and APG Garrison Commander, Col. Johnny Casiano.
Santa Claus and his helpers also made a special guest appearance for some of the younger attendees. The event featured some light refreshments, hot cocoa, photo opportunities with the APG Helmet Car and a spirited holiday musical performance by local Havre de Grace band, Rheema Praise.
As civilian and military APG personnel and their families arrived at the event, leaders welcomed guests to the tree lighting field which was dotted with warming fire pits. The celebration reflected the traditional spirit of giving and joyous gatherings that transcends all the hardships and challenges of the past year and coronavirus pandemic.
Casiano prompted the audience to reflect on the past year in order to better prepare for the upcoming one.
“What does this season mean for you,” he asked. “And how does it inspire you for the coming year? For APG, this season is the beginning of a new era in our Army. The pandemic has shown us that we are very resilient. And our traditions can hold the test of external pressures. This season inspires us to move forward with the hope of peace as we reflect on the past.”
With another year of APG events coming to a close, Joe Moscone, the Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR) director at APG, spoke about the difference a year can make.
“As you know this event here was not held in-person last year,” he reminded the audience. “So it’s really wonderful to see this community come out and enjoy this great tradition here in 2021!”
Moscone also used his time addressing the audience to honor the late Bobby Dennison, a longtime Directorate of Public Works (DPW) employee here at APG and strong supporter of the tradition of lighting the holiday tree. Moscone then introduced Dennison’s son, Christopher Dennison, who was among the VIPs who led the tree lighting countdown.
Edmonson reminded the audience of the importance of building and maintaining community-based traditions like APG’s Holiday Tree Lighting.
“Just listen to that young (happy) chatter in the background,” he exclaimed. “They are building memories just like we had when we were young. To be a part of this military family and continue to build such amazing traditions. I am grateful for to be a part of this tradition with you all. Wishing everyone a safe and joyous holiday. Army strong!”
By nightfall, the main segment of the ceremony was ready to commence. Edmonson led the other VIPs in a countdown to the enormous tree being lit with Christmas lights and other holiday decorations on display to be enjoyed by guests and the APG community. The band Rheema Praise performed holiday classics for guests as the event concluded.
Mark Grimsley, a keyboard player with the band Rheema Praise, spoke about why he and the band felt the need to give back to military families at events like this one.
“Spreading love, spreading cheer, supporting the military community,” he said. “The Soldiers that give so much for us we just want to give some love back to them. Especially during Christmas and all the ones who are overseas. We wish them the best and for their safety.”
For more photos, visit Annual APG Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony - Dec. 3, 2021 | Flickr
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