2019 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Lit in Special Ceremony
Transported by Kenworth W990 and Wilbanks Trucking Services
After a journey of more than 2,000 miles from New Mexico, the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree was lit in a special ceremony Wednesday, Dec. 4, on the Capitol’s West Lawn.
Photo courtesy Paul Feenstra
The tree was harvested Nov. 6 in New Mexico’s Carson National Forest and transported to Washington, D.C., with a Kenworth W990 operated by Wilbanks Trucking Services in Artesia, New Mexico. The special 60-foot Blue Spruce is decorated with LED lights, along with ornaments made by schoolchildren in New Mexico.
Photo courtesy Paul Feenstra
Shown are representatives of Wilbanks Trucking Services, which used a Kenworth W990 equipped with a 76-inch mid-roof sleeper to transport the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from New Mexico to Washington, D.C. From left, are Josh Garcia - Field Superintendent (second W990 Tree Driver), Nathan Cornil - IT Manager, Shane Phipps - Safety Director, Lance Wilbanks - CEO, Jeremy Rice - Field Superintendent, Brumbach Stephens - Salesman (third W990 Tree driver), and Josh Rice - Terminal Manager & Crane Manager (first W990 Tree driver).
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree tour, which began Nov. 11 in Red River, New Mexico, and ended Nov. 24 at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, made 30 stops for community events while traveling across the nation. Thousands of people saw the tree and the Kenworth W990 during the stops and going down the highway.
Photo courtesy James Edward Mills
“It was an honor for Kenworth to provide a truck to transport the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree for the sixth consecutive year. Thanks to Wilbanks Trucking Services and its drivers for delivering the Tree safely and on-time and playing an important role in this very special tradition and celebration that brings communities together,” said Laura Bloch, Kenworth assistant general manager for sales and marketing.
Photo courtesy James Edward Mills
The Kenworth W990, which is equipped with a 76-inch mid-roof sleeper, also features the PACCAR Powertrain with the PACCAR MX-13 engine rated at 455-hp and 1,650 lb-ft of torque, PACCAR 12-speed automated transmission, and PACCAR 40K tandem rear axles. The truck is also specified with the W990 Limited Edition interior, premium Kenworth GT703 seats and audio system, Kenworth Nav+HD, predictive cruise control, 1800W inverter, 180-degree swivel passenger seat, and Kenworth TruckTech+® Remote Diagnostics.
Photos courtesy James Edward Mills
This year’s theme was “Delivering Enchantment!” On the side of the Kenworth W990 hood, the graphics wrap showcased New Mexico’s state flag, along with Ship Rock, a 7,177 foot-high mountain rock that resembles a 19th century clipper ship. On the door and sleeper, the U.S. Capitol Building was shown with a Christmas tree, with the wording: “From the Land of Enchantment to Enchanting the Nation” written above the graphics.
Photo courtesy James Edward Mills
The tradition of the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree started in 1964 by then-U.S. Speaker of the House John W. McCormack, who planted a live tree on the Capitol lawn. That tree lived three years before succumbing to wind and root damage. In 1970, the Capitol Architect asked the U.S. Forest Service to provide a Christmas tree. Since then, a different national forest has been chosen each year to provide "The People’s Tree."
Photo courtesy Paul Feenstra
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