When the Capitol Christmas Tree lights up in December, KNOM will be represented.
Every year since 1970, a different National Forest has sent a tree to Washington, DC, to serve as the national Christmas tree. This year’s tree hails from Southeast Alaska’s Tongass National Forest, and the American people’s love for Alaska has been well on display.
For the first time ever, the US Forest Service took to social media for the public to name the tree. After vigorous deliberation and voting, the tree was officially dubbed Spruce Wayne.
Mr. Wayne spent November making a whistlestop tour across the country, from Wrangell, Alaska, to Washington. Two Alaskan professional drivers guided him on his way from stop to stop: Fred Austin, 89, from North Pole and John Shank, 78, from Fairbanks. They share over 100 years and 10 million miles of combined experience of safe commercial driving on Alaska’s roads. At every stop, locals come out of the woodwork bedecked in Christmas sweaters and hats to sign the wrapping on Mr. Wayne’s trailer and wish him well on his trek to Washington. At one special stop, Mr. Wayne took part in a Veterans’ Day parade in Idaho.
The US Forest Service invited Alaskans statewide to send in ornaments that reflect the unique character of their beloved homeland. KNOM answered the call, and when Mr. Wayne stands tall on the Capitol lawn, two KNOM ornaments will adorn him.
To see the 2024 KNOM homemade Christmas ornament visit: https://knom.org/give/
