RAF Alconbury gets into holiday spirit

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Brian Stives
  • 501st Combat Support Wing Public Affairs
RAF ALCONBURY, United Kingdom --  After the Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony held at the RAF Alconbury Chapel Dec. 1, the only thing missing from making RAF Alconbury look like a festive holiday painting is snow.

The afternoon of festivities began at 2 p.m. with the annual Holiday Parade, which included the Alconbury High School band, the Girl Scouts, the Alconbury High School Dance Team and Santa in a horse-drawn carriage.

As the parade snaked though the base, it made its way to the Community Activities Center where Santa took his seat in his grotto. With the temperature hovering around 32 degrees, the crowd began gathering inside the CAC, where cookies, candy, arts and crafts and, more importantly, hot chocolate were waiting. While everyone was warming up, Santa settled into his chair and before long, he had a line of children extending out the door.

At 4 p.m., everyone began making their way outside for the tree and menorah lighting ceremony at the base chapel.

"This afternoon we take a moment from the demanding pace of our lives to celebrate this special season where we celebrate hope, joy and goodness in the context of our friendships, families and community," said Chaplain (Maj.) Eugene Theisen, 423rd Air Base Group installation chaplain, as the tree and menorah lighting ceremony began.

Gary Bornstein, Jewish Lay leader, then shared the history and meaning of Hanukah, and Theisen shared the history of the Christmas tree and everyone began singing Christmas carols, led by the RAF Alconbury Girl Scouts.

After the singing of the carols, Col. Michael Reiner, 423rd ABG commander, came forward and asked everyone to remember the members of the 501st CSW who are not here to celebrate the holidays with their families.

"As we enter the holiday season, we find many of our own deployed or preparing to deploy protecting the light of freedom around the world," said Reiner. "They go forth willingly and proudly and tonight, though they may not be with us in presence, they are certainly with us in spirit and in our hearts. As you gather for your celebrations this holiday season, may you find joy, hope and peace in abundance."

Reiner needed help from one "little" 501st CSW member to help light the tree and menorah. Gabriel, son of Alicia and Senior Master Sgt. Christopher Walker, 423rd Security Forces Squadron, was brought up to help Reiner and together turned the power on - bringing the holiday spirit to RAF Alconbury.