FMCSA Makes Sure the 2023 US Capitol Christmas Tree Arrives Safely

For the fifth consecutive year, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Our Roads, Our Safety® campaign is supporting the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree’s journey to Washington, D.C. while raising awareness about sharing the road safely with large trucks and buses. This year, the tree will travel safely from the Monongahela National Forest in Elkins, West Virginia, to the nation’s capital.

FMCSA Virginia Division Safety Inspector Bob Tershak performed the Level 1 inspection before the Capitol Christmas Tree began its journey.

FMCSA conducts the standard Level I inspection and ensures the drivers are properly credentialed prior to the journey. In addition, staff travel with the tree and participate at the whistle stops to engage with local communities and raise awareness about the importance of sharing the road safely with large trucks.

The tradition of the Capitol Christmas Tree, or “The People’s Tree,” began in 1964 when Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives John W. McCormack placed a live Christmas tree on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol. In 1970, the Capitol Architect asked the U.S. Forest Service to provide a Christmas tree. Since then, a different national forest has been chosen each year to provide “The People’s Tree,” which includes a public engagement campaign to celebrate our national forests.

Learn more about the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree or plan a visit to see the tree up close at one of the whistlestops along the route by visiting www.uscapitolchristmastree.com.