The 2004 Capitol Holiday Tree officially began the trek to Washington, DC, Nov. 13 during a send-off ceremony in Monterey, VA. Media and the public watched as the 70-foot red spruce, which was selected from nearby George Washington National Forest, began its journey.

The excitement began before the official 2 p.m. ceremony when the truck and trailer, driven by Camrett Logistics Service Manager Keith Garman, rolled into the Highland County Fairgrounds around 1:15 p.m. Cameras were flashing as the 87-foot rig maneuvered into the celebration area. When the festivities concluded with the unveiling of the Capitol Holiday Tree painting, created by artist Vera Dickson, the tree began its journey.

Starting in the mountains in Virginia, the tree will travel more than 2,500 miles to 33 communities in the Commonwealth so that Virginians will have a chance to see the tree.

Virginia-based trucking company Camrett Logistics donated the truck, and five of the company’s drivers have volunteered their time to run the route. R.J. Garman, former employee of both the U.S. Forest Service and Camrett Logistics, is riding the entire route.

The Capitol Holiday Tree is traveling nestled on a Freedom flatbed, which was built specially for the haul and donated by Great Dane Trailers.

The Capitol Tree’s journey can be followed on the Great Dane web site at via a special interactive link. Featuring a map of Virginia plotted with the tree’s route; the site also includes pictures of highlights from the tree’s travels and a travel log diary including comments and information from the Camrett drivers. The site, greatdanetrailers.com, will be updated after each community celebration and when the tree arrives in Washington.

The Capitol Holiday Tree is scheduled to arrive in Washington on Monday, Nov. 29. The tree lighting ceremony is set for Thursday, Dec. 9, and Speaker of U.S. House of Representatives Dennis Hastert will throw the switch, lighting the tree. The tree will be decorated with 4,500 ornaments made by schoolchildren and citizens across Virginia and 10,000 lights.