TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --
Tyndall hosted the annual tree lighting ceremony Dec. 5 at Flag Park.
A tradition that has been carried on for years, the lighting of the tree marks the beginning of the holiday season.
Colonel Derek C. France, 325th Fighter Wing commander, and Aston Gainey, daughter of Senior Arman Shawn Gainey, 325th Maintenance Squadron low observables journeyman, who is currently deployed, did the honors of lighting the holiday tree located near the front gate.
The Tyndall Youth Center Choir then led the audience in a round of holiday songs. The children sang "Jingle Bells," "Deck the Halls," "Here Comes Santa Claus" and many more for the crowd.
2nd Lt. Dari Moore, 325th Force Support Squadron military personnel section chief, and his daughter Madison were among the many who attended the event.
"We really enjoyed the event because it really put us in the holiday spirit," Moore said. "There's nothing better than singing Christmas carols, eating cookies and drinking hot chocolate. My daughter really enjoyed herself. You could see a big smile on her face as the beautiful tree lights came on and the caroling began."
A fire truck with sirens on announced Santa Claus' arrival, and children quickly lined up to sit on his lap and tell him what they wanted for Christmas, while all attendees enjoyed hot chocolate and cookies.
"Madison's favorite part had to be when Santa arrived on the fire truck and she got to tell him what she wanted for Christmas," said Moore. "That was my favorite part too."