Alaska’s Gift to Washington: The Epic Voyage of a Holiday Icon

Alaska's Gift to Washington: The Epic Voyage of a Holiday Icon

Two veteran truckers, with a century of experience between them, embark on a 4,000-mile journey to deliver the Christmas Tree from Alaska to Washington, D.C.

At a Glance

  • John Schank and Fred Austin are transporting the 80-foot Sitka spruce U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from Alaska
  • The journey spans 4,000 miles with 11 public viewing stops across multiple states
  • This year’s tree, nicknamed “Spruce Wayne,” comes from Tongass National Forest in Alaska
  • The tradition of the Capitol Christmas Tree began 54 years ago, separate from the National Christmas Tree
  • The tree is expected to arrive in Washington, D.C. on November 20

A Tradition Rooted in American Forests

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is making its way from the pristine wilderness of Alaska to the heart of our nation’s capital. This year’s tree, an 80-foot Sitka spruce dubbed “Spruce Wayne,” hails from the Tongass National Forest, continuing a tradition that began in 1964. Since 1970, the U.S. Forest Service has provided the tree, selecting a different national forest each year to showcase America’s natural beauty and promote the importance of our forest lands.

The journey of the Capitol Christmas Tree is more than just a logistics operation; it’s a celebration of American spirit and craftsmanship. John Schank, 72, and Fred Austin, two seasoned truckers with a combined century of experience on the road, have been entrusted with this precious cargo. Their mission: to safely transport the massive tree across 4,000 miles of American landscape, from the rugged terrain of Alaska to the manicured grounds of the U.S. Capitol.

A Journey Across America

The tree’s epic voyage began in Wrangell, Alaska, where it was carefully loaded onto an 80-foot flatbed truck. Protected by a custom-built enclosure with a plexiglass window, “Spruce Wayne” will be visible to onlookers throughout its journey. The truck will make 11 scheduled stops across states including Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Indiana, Ohio, and Maryland, giving Americans a chance to be part of this national tradition.

“The trailer is 80 feet long and the tree just barely fits inside of it … We will take care of the precious cargo we’ve got, and we will drive accordingly,” says Schank, highlighting the precision and care involved in this special delivery.

For Schank, a former North Branch resident who has been an over-the-road line driver in Alaska for nearly 50 years, this journey is a familiar one. He previously transported the Capitol Christmas Tree in 2015 and relishes the experience. “I moved it back in 2015. I came out to Chugiak National Forest near Seward, Alaska, and I’m looking forward to doing it here,” Schank shared, his enthusiasm evident.

More Than Just a Delivery

This journey is not just about transporting a tree; it’s about connecting communities across the nation. At each stop, the public has the opportunity to view the tree and leave messages on banners adorning the truck. The tree’s progress can be tracked online, allowing people nationwide to follow this symbol of unity as it makes its way to the Capitol.

“My favorite part of this trip is the show-and-tell time, not the driving time,” says Austin, emphasizing the community aspect of their mission. This sentiment reflects the broader significance of the Capitol Christmas Tree – it’s a unifying force, bringing together Americans from all walks of life in a shared celebration of the holiday spirit.

As we follow the journey of “Spruce Wayne” from the Alaskan wilderness to the steps of the U.S. Capitol, we’re reminded of the vastness and diversity of our nation. This tradition, now in its 54th year, continues to serve as a powerful symbol of American unity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the holiday season. It’s a testament to the skill of our nation’s truckers and the beauty of our national forests, all coming together in a display that will soon light up the heart of our democracy.

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