Link-Belt upholds tradition, places National Christmas Tree

A Link-Belt Cranes 100-ton HTC-86100 truck crane lifted into place the National Christmas Tree this year in Washington, D.C., for the National Park Service.

The National Christmas Tree has been an American tradition for more than 100 years, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate the season and symbolize hope, according to the National Park Foundation website. Crane rental company L.R Willson & Sons, Inc. of Gambrills, Maryland, erected the tree at the Ellipse, sometimes referred to as President’s Park South, between the White House and the Washington Monument.

The first National Christmas Tree was lit in 1923 by President Calvin Coolidge. This year’s National Christmas Tree will feature up to 20,000 lights.