On Dec 1, several local hams helped with the City of Manassas Christmas Tree lighting. They are members of CERT – Community Emergency Reaction Team.
The tree lighting involved Santa arriving on a VRE train, and then Santa got on a hay wagon and went to the grounds of the Manassas Museum. At the museum, Santa then talked to the crowd and the tree was lit, complete with artificial snow. After the lighting of the tree, Santa went to the ice skating rink and visited with the children. While Santa was listening to the children’s Christmas lists, there were also free hayrides for everyone.
The CERT team was there for safety and first aid and they were a direct report to a police officer. This year that was Lt. Barahona. Safety concerns addressed included keeping kids off the railroad track when trains are coming and also keeping the path of hay wagons clear.
The Hams involved were Erik, K4SOK; John, KG4NXT and David, KD4DEE.
