With U.S. Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell behind the wheel for most of the trip, a MackR truck will once again transport the nation's Holiday Tree for display at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The massive 65-foot Colorado Blue Spruce will be carried from Colorado's Pike National Forest on a trailer provided by Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel of Allentown, Pa.
This is the eighth consecutive year that Mack Trucks, Inc. has provided transportation for the tree. Like last year, two of the company's premier highway vehicles, the Vision by Mack, will be used for the trip - one hauling the tree, and the other hauling ornaments, as well as stuffed Mack BulldogR toys that will be donated to Marine Toys for Tots Foundation campaigns at stops along the way.
"The holiday season is a special time of year for everyone, but it is especially meaningful at Mack due to our involvement with the Capitol Holiday Tree project," said Samuel L. Torrence, executive vice president - administration and parts operations for Mack. "We're proud to contribute to a project that adds so much to the holiday spirit in our nation's capital."
Campbell, who has a Commercial Driver's License, represents Colorado. The colorful senator, who regularly travels about Washington on a Harley Davidson motorcycle, is presently the only American Indian serving in either the United States Senate or the House of Representatives. Campbell also has been a longtime supporter of the trucking industry and truck drivers.
"To prepare for the trip, Senator Campbell has been practicing his driving throughout the year by hauling various tractor-trailer loads for several companies across Colorado," said James Doyle, communications director for Campbell (and, incidentally, a licensed truck driver himself.)
The tree will be transported across Colorado during November, stopping at various communities for celebrations. Colorado youngsters also will be involved by making more than 6,000 ornaments for the tree. Ornaments will depict Colorado's history and future, using native natural resources.
