GRAFENWOEHR, Germany - It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. The colors of August have fallen to the ground, decorations abound at every store, "wintery" weather fills the air and the humming of Christmas tunes can be heard on every corner.
Despite the cold, drizzling rain, this holiday spirit held strong for nearly 600 revelers who attended U.S. Army Garrison Grafenwoehr's annual tree lighting ceremony in the Main Post PX parking lot, Dec. 1. The following day, more than 500 community members attended the Rose Barracks tree lighting ceremony.
Continuing with a tradition dating back to the 1980s, the diverse crowd of military and German community members at Grafenwoehr gathered joyously for the spectacle, undaunted by the elements.
Col. Chris Sorenson, commander, USAG Grafenwoehr, welcomed the crowd and offered words of support for the holiday season.
"I am happy to see all the German and American families that have come together tonight to celebrate the tree lighting," Sorenson said. "You all truly demonstrate the excellent German-American friendship we enjoy here in our garrison."
Additionally, Sorenson thanked both American and German Soldiers who are deployed throughout the world and away from their loved ones during this special time.
Grafenwoehr Mayor Helmuth Waechter then greeted the crowd and attested to the warmth of the Grafenwoehr communities.
"Christmas ... is first and foremost a family event," said Waechter. "That's one of the reasons why we meet here every year under the Christmas tree, because that is what we are and what we want to continue to be; a large family, united by friendly solidarity."
One thing not lost on the crowd was the benevolence of the German community.
"Events like this remind us that although we are a different race and creed, we are still one community, one family," said Chief Warrant Officer II David Lance, 52nd Aviation Regiment.
Lance's 15-year-old son, David Jr., agreed.
"It's a symbol of friendship and togetherness," he said.
Following the guest speakers, the Netzaberg Elementary and Middle School choirs entertained the crowd with traditional Christmas carols.
Although the American and German Christmas traditions differ slightly, the holiday spirit remains the same. Christmas is a time of fellowship that transcends cultural barriers.
Brig. Gen. Steven Salazar, commander, Joint Multinational Training Center, faced the crowd a few minutes shy of the main event and gave his own account of the holiday season, focusing on giving. Salazar thanked Soldiers and their families for their constant sacrifice stating they "give so much," and praised the ongoing support of the German community.
For 9-year-old family member Camille Williams, Salazar was right on target.
"Christmas is all about giving," she said.
"It's about Jesus too," piped in Williams' younger sister, 6-year-old Kendra.
"It's about being nice to everyone," said 10-year-old Conli Booth, offering an additional piece of advice. "That gets you presents."
Another tradition shared by the two cultures is the lighting of the Christmas tree to commence the yuletide season.
With a flip of a switch, the Main Post PX parking lot blazed in the radiance of the brightly colored lights covering the 100-foot spruce. A ripple effect of "oohs" and "ahs" followed and carried the crowd happily into the Christmas season.
"This event always makes Christmas official," said family member Kellie Neubauer. "We started a tradition in 2007 and have come here every year since as a family."
Neubauer's four children, Adam, 11, Drake, 7, Blake, 6 and Chloe, 4, danced around her, clutched warm cups of cocoa and waited patiently for a visit from Santa Claus and St. Nikolaus.
"He's coming soon," said Chloe, "with presents."
With the recent return of more than 1,000 Soldiers of the 172nd Infantry Brigade, Christmas will be brighter for many military families in the community.
"Christmas is all about family," said family member Kelly Thomas. "Now that we are all together again, it will be a very Merry Christmas."
Social Sharing