Service members and their families gathered at the Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story (JEBLC-FS) Gator Theater for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony and concert Dec. 11.

The event featured games for attending children, holiday-themed music by a brass sextet from the U.S. Fleet Forces Band, and, of course, a visit from Santa.

"There's a sense of family. The holiday tradition of this ceremony is to bring everyone together and to remind us of the sense of community we all share," said Capt. Frank E. Hughlett, commanding officer of JEBLC-FS. "In the military, so often we spend holidays away from family; this is just one way to bring us back together."

After the tree was lit, the base fire truck carrying Santa Claus arrived in front of Gator Theater and was promptly swarmed with wide-eyed children eager to get some face time with Ol' Saint Nick. Santa pleased the crowd by giving away bags of candy and taking photos with the children.

After the tree lighting ceremony, the U.S. Fleet Forces Band presented its Holiday Concert, performing classic holiday favorites as well as contemporary arrangements of classical pieces including Duke Ellington's jazzed-up rendition of the Nutcracker Ballet.

"The concert was amazing," said Jason Lee, one of the attendees at the concert. "My kids and I enjoyed the atmosphere and look forward to coming every year."

After the concert, Hughlett shared his enthusiasm and appreciation for the event. "Besides the decorating and the shopping and the rigmarole, it's all about bringing the families together for the holidays, and I think we achieved that this year and every year."


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