The 2004 United States Capitol Holiday Tree officially began the trek to Washington DC during a November 13 ceremony in Monterey VA at the Highland County Fairground. Officials, media, and the public watched as the 70-foot red spruce, selected from nearby George Washington National Forest, began its journey.
This tree traveled more than 2,500 miles to 33 communities in the commonwealth. It arrived November 29 in the nation's capital, and the tree lighting ceremony was held December 9. The tree was decorated with 4,500 ornaments made by schoolchildren and citizens across Virginia, along with 10,000 lights.
Virginia-based trucking company Camrett Logistics donated the truck, a 2005 Volvo VNL64T430, and five of the company's drivers volunteered their time to run the route. R J Garman, former employee of both the US Forest Service and Camrett, rode the entire route.
The tree traveled on a Freedom flatbed, which was built specially for the haul and donated by Great Dane Trailers.