Tree lighting event kicks off holiday season in Ansbach

by Amy Stork, USAG Ansbach Public Affairs

Photo by Maj. Robert Fellingham, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs

ANSBACH, Germany (December 6, 2019) – Holiday cheer spread across U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Ansbach as Col. Steven M. Pierce, garrison commander, welcomed everyone to the tree lighting ceremony on Katterbach Kaserne Dec. 6.

Pierce said the tree-lighting event would not be possible without the wonderful volunteers and other organizations like the Directorate of Family, Moral, Welfare and Recreation, and the Directorate of Emergency Services.

Additionally, there were refreshment booths set up as well as craft tables and a reading corner staffed by Child and Youth Services inside the Katterbach Fitness Center.

“Whether they are from our local Soldier Family Readiness Groups or our many private organizations, those who are staffing booths and spreading holiday cheer are the heart of our garrison and deserve special thanks.”

Pierce also addressed the host nation guests who came to support the annual event.

“To our German friends and neighbors here tonight; the welcome you have shown us is something that we, the Soldiers and families of the U.S. Army, value and appreciate more than you can imagine. Thank you,” he said.

To help light the tree, USAG Ansbach received a special visit from Santa, who arrived in true Christmas style – on a fire truck accompanied by the Katterbach Fire Department.

“On behalf of the entire Ansbach garrison, we hope you all have a very healthy and happy holiday season,” Pierce said. “Make time to share the spirit of this special time of year with family and friends.”

The event also included a performance by the Ansbach Elementary School choir and wrapped up with children revealing their Christmas gift wishes to Santa Claus.

During the Katterbach tree lighting event, the tree on Bismarck Kaserne was also lit for all to enjoy.

USAG Ansbach will hold a tree lighting ceremony at Storck Barracks Dec. 12.

More photos can be seen here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/185040218@N05/albums/72157712113840432