The Kenworth W990 truck carrying the 80' U.S. Capitol Christmas tree from a remote logging trail in Oregon to Washington D.C. in November is riding on Meritor axle and brake products.
The more than 3,000-mile journey features stops in 25 communities across the country, including a free public event co-hosted by Meritor and the MHC Kenworth dealership network on Tuesday, November 20 from 3 to 5 PM at Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri. There will be holiday carolers, refreshments and the opportunity to sign banners on the Kenworth truck hauling the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. The Truckload Carriers Association is also supporting the event.
Meritor also has donated $10,000 from the company’s trust to Choose Outdoors, a nonprofit organization that promotes outdoor activity and is working with the Willamette National Forest and Travel Oregon to cut and prepare the tree for its coast-to-coast journey.
“In the spirit of the approaching holiday season, we’re proud to work together with Choose Outdoors, Kenworth and other sponsors to deliver the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree to Washington,” said Krista Sohm, vice president, marketing and communications for Meritor. “As an industry-leading supplier of drivetrain components, Meritor has been helping to safely deliver shipments for more than 100 years.”
Every year since 1970, the U.S. Forest Service has provided a tree from a national forest to appear on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the Christmas season.
On Friday, November 2, this year’s tree will be cut from the Willamette National Forest and begin its journey east, commemorating the 175th anniversary of the Oregon Trail by following the famous path in reverse. An official tree lighting ceremony in Washington will be held in early December.
“The annual journey is only possible with the help of strong community partnerships throughout Oregon and beyond state lines,” said Bruce Ward, president of Choose Outdoors, which works to increase enjoyment, appreciation and support for outdoor recreation activities and public lands. “We’re grateful for the time and resources Meritor is providing to help make this the best year to date.”
