The 33rd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony took place on Fort Riley’s Ware Parade Field on Thursday, December 1st.

1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley acting Senior Commander Brig. Gen. Frank took during the ceremony to thank the families of deployed soldiers. “It is always difficult when a soldier is deployed over the Holidays as Army families celebrate their family traditions here in the United State; these families know the sacrifices that their soldiers make to accomplish the mission – that doesn’t make their absence any easier, but our families actually live the 1 ID motto – duty first.”

Neviah Brown, daughter of Sgt Morris Brown and Estella Chavez, daughter of Sgt. Israel Chavez joined Brig. Gen. Patrick Frank, 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley acting Senior Commander to flip the switch and light the Christmas tree. Brown and Israel are deployed and will not be with their children and families over the Holiday season.

The evening was capped off with the arrival of Santa Claus, and holiday carols.