MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Hundreds of marines, sailors and family members gathered around Cherry Blossom triangle to share holiday spirit during the Christmas tree lighting ceremony here Saturday.
“The lighting of the tree symbolizes the beginning of the Christmas season,” said John e. iwaniec, marine Corps Community Services director here.
The peak of the event was the official tree lighting when, with a flip of a switch, Santa turned the Cherry Blossom triangle evergreen into a luminous Christmas tree.
“The Christmas lights are pretty awesome,” said Cpl. Adam Batterseamolto. “it’s a good chance to come out, get out of your room and come be a part of the community.”
The moment everyone was waiting for was one that took no more than a few seconds, but the time and effort put into the event far exceeded that.
Over the span of 100 man hours, service members and volunteers set up more than 8,000 Christmas lights, provided more than 3,000 cookies, 400 gallons of hot chocolate and 200 gallons of apple cider.
“It’s a camaraderie event for sure; it gives everyone a chance to get out,” said Batterseamolto. “Especially if they volunteered, it gives them a chance to help the community even if they don’t have a family out here.”
The event also featured several performances by the Filipino band XOP and the Matthew C. Perry High School band and choir.
“Where I used to live, they didn’t have (events) like these, so I think this is a good thing to have,” said 11-year-old Maryna Villalbando. “I like the music the most,” she added.
After an hour and a half of holiday performances, a fire truck pulled on the corner of the Cherry Blossom Triangle and children’s faces turned to smiles as Santa Claus made his debut.
Although his nine reindeer-guided sleigh seemed to be out of commission, Santa still managed to spread some Christmas spirit by giving out holiday hugs and words of encouragement to the children.
“For the kids, a lot of them are away from their families, so this gives them a chance to still be a part of the season, said Batterseamolto. “They may not be around their big families, but it gives a chance to bring everyone together overall, becoming that big family unit.”
After greeting his admiring young fans, Santa made his way to the stage and began the countdown for the official lighting of the tree with station Commanding Officer Col. James C. Stewart.
Children assisted in the countdown and in unison shouted “One!” as Santa flipped the switch illuminating the tree and declaring the start of the holiday season.
“I hope the families get a sense of community by coming here,” said Iwaniec. “It’ll give the children a chance to see Santa Claus and to share in the beginning of the Christmas season.”
After the lighting of the tree, the night concluded with raffle prize giveaways and musical tunes from XOP.
The Jingle Bell Jog is the next MCCS holiday event scheduled Dec. 20. Interested participants can visit www. mccsiwakuni.com or call the MCCS Marketing Office at 253-5284.