NEBRASKA CITY – The Home of Arbor Day welcomed America’s most famous Christmas tree Monday.
The US Capitol Christmas Tree stopped at Nebraska City in the middle of its 3,000 mile journey from the Willamette National Forest to the West Lawn of the US Capitol.
Megan Brehm of Syracuse was among an estimated 2,001 visitors, many who signed their names to the 102-foot trailer canvass.
Brehm: “We just saw that it was coming to Nebraska City and thought we better take advantage of the once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Forester Tim Lehey said Nebraska City is the tree’s 16th stop as it traces the Oregon Trail.
Lehey: “Every stop we’ve come to it’s all smiles. It’s just a lot of joy and unity. I think people are just looking for a nice thing to see and celebrate the Christmas 
season.”
The US Capitol Christmas Tree has its start as “the people’s tree” in 1964. Lehey said this year’s tree is special.
Lehey: “This tree in the woods was just a perfect shaped Christmas tree. The architect of the Capitol actually came out to select the tree and as soon as he saw it he said, ‘that’s the one.”
NCTC directors each brought a crock of chili, Scooters provided hot chocolate and CenterPoint Financial provided “make your own latte.”
