Santa Visits During Annual Tree Lighting by Linda Cole December 16, 2008
Saturday December 12, 2008 was a special night for the kids and parents that attended the VFVFCo annual Tree Lighting ceremony. The night was packed full of activities, all organized by our fire company Auxiliary.
As the crowd began to assemble in our apparatus building, some of the children took time to make holiday decorations while others enjoyed warm beverages and cookies. The program began with a few words from members of the clergy from several local churches. The children all played parts in a short re-enactment of the nativity scene which was followed by everyone participating in singing Christmas carols.
At the conclusion of the carols, everyone put on their coats to go outside to observe the lighting of the Christmas tree and the Nativity Scene. This year, the honor of lighting the tree went to Albert McIntyre who has been a volunteer firefighter at Valley Forge for 44 years and counting. Moments after the scene was lit, a siren could be heard in the distance... it was a fire engine and it appeared to be coming to the fire house. With its lights and siren on, the engine came to a stop right in front of the fire house doors with special passenger on board. It was none other the Santa Claus himself! Santa climbed out of the truck and greeted all the children. He then went inside so that all the kids (and some adults) had a chance to sit on his lap and tell him what they wanted for Christmas. And of course Santa brought early Christmas presents for all the good children.
With all the happy faces, it would appear that everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Thank you all for your support and we wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.
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"Protecting Your National Heritage" P.O. Box 62 630 Valley Park Road Valley Forge, PA 19481
