MWR staff and soldiers spent days preparing the 22-foot Christmas Tree. This year, they used red, white, and blue ornaments to decorate and topped it with a brand-new star.
Commander Gen. Keith Chad Mixon and a group of children flipped the switch to light the tree. Mixon told ABC 11 THAT it's a moment for service members and families to slow down and reconnect
"There's so much that's accomplished on this installation throughout the year, and to get to this point -- all of our soldiers and their families get that kind of never take a knee, they can just take a knee and enjoy the holidays," he said.
ALSO SEE | Fayetteville families weigh tariff costs as they buy trees for holiday season
The event featured live entertainment, children's activities, and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, who arrived on a fire truck.
For Florina Suarez, who lives on base and is originally from Saipan, holiday traditions like the Christmas Tree lighting help bring a sense of home.
"It's a lot for, again, families who don't really have close families here and now every year. I mean, we were here last year. It was a successful event. And I know for sure this year will be another successful event," she said.
Stay on top of breaking news stories with the ABC11 News App