US Capitol Christmas Tree Photo Gallery

A look at the specially decorated Kenworth T680 used for transporting the tree. (James Edward Mills)

The crew gets ready to load the tree onto the Hale trailer. (James Edward Mills)

Apex Transportation drivers Theron Schmalzried and William "Butch" Hanna discuss the project. (James Edward Mills)

The tree is loaded onto a special platform on the back of the Hale trailer. (James Edward Mills)

Apex Transportation driver Theron Schmalzried hangs out in the truck. (James Edward Mills)

Apex Transportation drivers Theron Schmalzried (left) and William "Butch" Hanna stand in front of the truck. (James Edward Mills)

Apex Transportation driver William "Butch" Hanna stands in front of the truck. (James Edward Mills)

Apex Transportation driver William "Butch" Hanna sits in the truck. (James Edward Mills)

Apex Transportation drivers William "Butch" Hanna (left) and Theron Schmalzried. (James Edward Mills)

The tree is transported out of the forest. The trip across the country to Washington, D.C., is about 2,000 miles. (James Edward Mills)

The truck hauls the tree out of the forest with snow visible on the ground. (James Edward Mills)

The tree is transported out of the Uncompahgre National Forest. (James Edward Mills)

After a nearly 2,000-mile trek across the United States that began Nov. 10, the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree arrived safely at the Capitol's West Lawn in the early morning hours of Nov. 20. (Paul Feenstra)

After a nearly 2,000-mile trek across the United States that began Nov. 10, the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree arrived safely at the Capitol's West Lawn in the early morning hours of Nov. 20. (Paul Feenstra)

After a nearly 2,000-mile trek across the United States that began Nov. 10, the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree arrived safely at the Capitol's West Lawn in the early morning hours of Nov. 20. (Paul Feenstra)

After a nearly 2,000-mile trek across the United States that began Nov. 10, the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree arrived safely at the Capitol's West Lawn in the early morning hours of Nov. 20. (Paul Feenstra)

After a nearly 2,000-mile trek across the United States that began Nov. 10, the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree arrived safely at the Capitol's West Lawn in the early morning hours of Nov. 20. (Paul Feenstra)

After a nearly 2,000-mile trek across the United States that began Nov. 10, the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree arrived safely at the Capitol's West Lawn in the early morning hours of Nov. 20. (Paul Feenstra)

After a nearly 2,000-mile trek across the United States that began Nov. 10, the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree arrived safely at the Capitol's West Lawn in the early morning hours of Nov. 20. (Paul Feenstra)

After a nearly 2,000-mile trek across the United States that began Nov. 10, the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree arrived safely at the Capitol's West Lawn in the early morning hours of Nov. 20. (Paul Feenstra)

After a nearly 2,000-mile trek across the United States that began Nov. 10, the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree arrived safely at the Capitol's West Lawn in the early morning hours of Nov. 20. Here, the tree gets lifted from the trailer. (Paul Feenstra)

Apex Transportation President Walt Schattinger (from left), Apex Field Supervisor Glenn McCormack and Apex truck driver Theron Schmalzried stand in front of the truck and tree at the Capitol on Nov. 20 in Washington. (Paul Feenstra)

Apex Transportation truck driver Theron Schmalzried (from left), Apex Safety/HR Risk Officer Dennis Atencio, Apex President Walt Schattinger and Apex Field Supervisor Glenn McCormack stand in front of the truck and tree at the Capitol on Nov. 20 in Washington. (Paul Feenstra)

The tree-lighting ceremony Dec. 2. (Paul Feenstra)

The tree-lighting ceremony Dec. 2. (Paul Feenstra)

The tree-lighting ceremony Dec. 2. (James Edward Mills)

The tree stands lit in front of the Capitol on Dec. 2. (Paul Feenstra)

The tree stands lit in front of the Capitol on Dec. 2. (James Edward Mills)

The tree stands lit in front of the Capitol on Dec. 2. (Paul Feenstra)

The tree stands lit in front of the Capitol on Dec. 2. (Paul Feenstra)