By Tim Cherry
Staff Writer
Thursday, December 13, 2012

Fort Belvoir community leaders and members sparked the installation’s Christmas celebration during the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Friday.

Families, servicemembers and civilian employees celebrated this joyous time of year as one community by attending the event held next to the Belvoir Chapel.

Children filled up with cookies, parents enjoyed socializing with friends and servicemembers enjoyed celebrating the season at home.

Chaplain (Lt. Col.) James King, deputy garrison chaplain and senior protestant pastor, said the event builds the anticipation to Christmas.

“People from every aspect of the community are able to come together,” King said. “That really flows out of the spiritual anticipation that we all have, to look forward to the coming of God’s love to the world.”

The tree lighting ceremony continues the installation’s observance of advent, a four-week period leading up to the birth of Christ. Fort Belvoir has celebrated, thus far, with the Handel’s Messiah concert and the “A Chorus and Country Christmas” performance presented by the U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters and Country Current ensembles.

The tree lighting ceremony included a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, music from the Blue Ridge Chamber Brass, and apple cider. Community members also sang several Christmas songs, including “Silent Night” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

As part of the ceremony, children assisted Fort Belvoir Garrison Commander Col. Gregory D. Gadson with lighting the Christmas tree. Gadson, who was very thankful for the people who made the lighting ceremony possible, also shared a few words with his Belvoir Family.

He said the event provides participants an opportunity to recognize the blessing of celebrating Christmas at home while many men and women are deployed overseas away from loved ones. While Gadson wished everyone a “Merry Christmas,” he also asked them to keep servicemembers currently defending the country in their hearts and prayers.

“We have to recognize those who are on the frontline defending our freedom and their Families that our supporting them,” Gadson said. “Please keep all of them in your thoughts while you enjoy being at home for the holiday season this year.”

Gadson’s comment hits home with stay-at-home mom, Laura Troy, who has served as a babysitter for a deployed servicemember.

“She touched my heart because I watched her kids,” Laura said. “You have so many friends that are gone during the holiday.”

Laura is happy that her husband, Maj. Paul Troy, Command General Staff College student, is home this year. Laura and Paul said this increases the holiday spirit in their children.

“I look at everything through my children’s eyes,” Laura said. “It’s about their excitement.”