GREENSBORO, NC – The 2013 Capitol Christmas Tree began its cross-country journey this week from the Colville National Forest near Usk, Washington to the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol on a 2014 Mack Pinnacle Axle Back model.

More than 300 people joined the U.S. Forest Service and state and local government representatives November 1, to celebrate the harvesting of the 88-foot, 80-year-old Engelmann Spruce. The Pinnacle model hauling the tree will make 24 stops in cities nationwide during the next month before delivering its special cargo to our nation’s capital.

Kalispell tribe members offering a blessing and conducting a traditional Native American drum circle marked the festivities in Washington State.

State and local elected officials, tribal leaders and organizers of the Capitol Christmas Tree project from Choose Outdoors made remarks before the tree was harvested and carefully lowered, under the watchful eyes of more than a dozen spotters, onto the Mack Pinnacle model outfitted with a custom trailer.

“We’re honored to be part of the Capitol Christmas Tree project,” said John Walsh, Mack vice president of marketing. “It’s a long-standing national tradition and an opportunity for Mack to contribute to the fantastic work of the entire team responsible for moving this holiday symbol across our great country.”

The Mack Pinnacle model is wrapped with a custom-designed decal featuring a bulldog pulling a Christmas tree toward Washington, D.C.

“Hauling an almost 90-foot symbol of this magnitude is a special job,” said Walsh. “We’re proud to provide a product to do it that’s not only durable, reliable and efficient but also distinctly American.”

Mack Trucks has been a sponsor of the Capitol Christmas tree tour several times during the last few years, most recently in 2011 and 2012. In addition to the truck hauling the tree, Mack is also providing a second Mack Pinnacle model that will haul companion trees to decorate other parts of the U.S. Capitol. U.S. national forests have been providing a Christmas tree for the U.S. Capitol since 1964.

The tree will be decorated with more than 5,000 handmade ornaments and lit in an official ceremony in early December.