SHAPE Christmas Tree Lighting

Tonight we had the annual Christmas tree lighting here at SHAPE. The Belgian town of Malmedy donated a beautiful tree from the Ardenne forest. The tradition of Malmedy donating a tree to SHAPE began in 1964 as a way of saying thanks to the US soldiers who liberated their town during WWII. The ceremony included short speeches by the base commander, SHAPE Chief of Staff and the mayor of Malmedy. The Canadian school choir entertained the crowd by singing three Christmas carols. Their version of "Silent Night" was sung in English, French and German. Emilie and Tori have been a part of the choir since the beginning of the school year. All of the children did a wonderful job performing in front of so many people. The tree was lit by the COS and mayor and it looks beautiful.