YONGSAN GARRISON, REPUBLIC OF KOREA -- The Yongsan Community welcomed the holiday season and celebrated its annual Yongsan Tree Lighting ceremony here, Nov. 30.
"I just got a report from our operations center that we now have Santa Clause in the area," said Col. Michael E. Masley, garrison commander for U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan. "So, let's enjoy this moment and let's remember that regardless of your background, we are one Yongsan family. I wish you all a great merry Christmas, and a happy holidays."
After a brief concert by the Eighth Army Band, and a sing-a-long led by the Girl Scouts, Servicemembers, Families, Civilians, Local Nationals, Contractors, and Retirees waited waited in anticipation for the countdown of the lighting of the trees and Winter Wonderland throughout Eighth Army Drive and X Corps Boulevard.
A musical performance by the Chapel Choir made the night even more special as the United Service Organization provided cookies and hot chocolate to keep the crowd warm in the cold weather. Afterwards, a photo session was made available with Santa Clause at the Yongsan Fire Station.
"I've been waiting for quite some time for the Garrison to light this up and I'm loving it," said Maria Buchwald, principal at Seoul American Middle School. "I definitely thank the Garrison for doing this and I can't wait to drive down the main road with the whole street lit up."
Tree lighting ceremonies are planned in other parts of Area II, including Hannam Village and K-16 Airfield.
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