Columbus AFB kicks off holiday celebrations with ceremony, parade

  • Published
  • By Airman Hannah Bean
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
The BLAZE Chapel held a Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony, Dec. 4, here.

After arriving on a T-1A Jayhawk at Columbus AFB’s Red Carpet, Santa Claus led a parade from the 14th Operations Support Squadron Base Operations BLAZE Chapel for the Holiday Lighting Ceremony.

Team BLAZE members congregated at the Chapel to light the Base’s Christmas tree, as well as, lighting the third candle to commemorate the third night of Hanukkah.

Earlier this week, Columbus AFB held a Menorah lighting at the Chapel with the congregation from Temple B’nai Israel in Columbus, Mississippi, to officially celebrate the first day of Hanukkah.

Once everyone gathered around the tree, the Caledonia High School Choir performed Christmas carols as a way to connect with the local communities.

Afterwards, Col. Samantha Weeks, 14th Flying Training Wing commander, spoke to the people in attendance.

“This time of year provides amazing opportunities to invest our time connecting with others,” Weeks stated. “I encourage you to invest with your kids and your family. Invest your time with your friends and your wingmen. Take advantage of every spare moment as it’s a gift.”

One of Weeks’ priorities for the base is connecting. She spent this time highlighting the importance of connecting between Airmen, civilians and families.

“As we celebrate together, we hold in our hearts the men and women of Team BLAZE who are positioned around the world, contending for freedom and liberty,” Weeks stated. “They are fighting for democracy, freedom, and supporting our nation and its national defense.”

Following Weeks’ remarks, family members of deployed Airmen from Columbus AFB lit the tree and the Menorah.

After the lighting, children had the opportunity to have their photo taken with Santa in the Kaye Auditorium. Cookies and drinks were also provided by various base organizations.