WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.000 music 00:00:08.000 --> 00:00:14.000 Sirens...I'm Megan and I'm Rhys. We are your parade commentators this evening. 00:00:14.000 --> 00:00:20.000 Looks like we've got campus public safety leading the way for the color guard this evening. 00:00:20.000 --> 00:00:26.000 Be sure to waive at our wonderful campus public safety keeping our campus safe. 00:00:26.000 --> 00:00:32.000 sirens 00:00:32.000 --> 00:00:36.000 Now coming into the light is the color guard. Please give them a big round of applause, 00:00:36.000 --> 00:00:40.000 applause 00:00:44.000 --> 00:00:48.000 I see Wolfie. Wolfie sighting. 00:00:48.000 --> 00:00:52.000 With a fly new sweater. I think Wolfie got that at the Wolfstore. 00:00:52.000 --> 00:00:56.000 Pretty much the only place that Wolfie shops. 00:00:56.000 --> 00:00:60.000 Wolfie is leading the pack for the Child Development Center 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:04.000 and Santa's little elves. 00:01:04.000 --> 00:01:08.000 If you know a student from the Child Development Center, be sure to give them a shout out. 00:01:08.000 --> 00:01:12.000 I know Opie and Wyatt. Hey! 00:01:12.000 --> 00:01:19.000 crowd cheers 00:01:20.000 --> 00:01:23.000 crowd cheers 00:01:23.000 --> 00:01:29.000 I can't see the cuz them crowd is so tall and they are so short. 00:01:29.000 --> 00:01:33.000 Somebody put on Instagram how cute they are. 00:01:33.000 --> 00:01:41.000 crowd noise 00:01:41.000 --> 00:01:45.000 Looks like coming up next we've got the residence hall association. 00:01:45.000 --> 00:01:51.000 And they hope your holidays and new year are out of this world. 00:01:52.000 --> 00:01:59.000 crowd noise 00:02:29.000 --> 00:02:33.000 Up next is WOU Plus Team 00:02:33.000 --> 00:02:37.000 who are here to welcome you to the holiday tree lighting 00:02:37.000 --> 00:02:40.000 and wish you a happy holidays! Hi, y'all. 00:02:40.000 --> 00:02:46.000 crowd cheers 00:02:46.000 --> 00:02:50.000 Alright, put your hands together for the WOU Drumline. 00:02:50.000 --> 00:02:53.000 They're here to spread some holiday spirit to everyone. 00:02:53.000 --> 00:02:58.000 drums 00:02:58.000 --> 00:02:60.000 drums 00:03:00.000 --> 00:03:04.000 drums 00:03:04.000 --> 00:03:09.000 drums 00:03:09.000 --> 00:03:14.000 And behind drum line is the rugby team. 00:03:14.000 --> 00:03:19.000 crowd cheers 00:03:20.000 --> 00:03:24.000 crowd 00:03:24.000 --> 00:03:28.000 crowd 00:03:28.000 --> 00:03:32.000 crowd 00:03:32.000 --> 00:03:36.000 crowd cheers 00:03:36.000 --> 00:03:40.000 crowd 00:03:40.000 --> 00:03:44.000 crowd 00:03:44.000 --> 00:03:49.000 Oh, the women's rugby team 00:03:49.000 --> 00:03:51.000 wishes a happy holidays to everyone. 00:03:51.000 --> 00:03:55.000 And Trex. The Christmas Trex is here. 00:03:55.000 --> 00:03:60.000 crowd cheers 00:04:00.000 --> 00:04:03.000 Right behind that we have Alpha Chi Omega. 00:04:03.000 --> 00:04:07.000 And they are dressed as tinsel, candy canes and Christmas lights. 00:04:07.000 --> 00:04:12.000 The Alpha Chi Omega sorority wishes everyone happy holidays. 00:04:12.000 --> 00:04:17.000 crowd cheers 00:04:17.000 --> 00:04:21.000 Following that up is Omega Delta Phi 00:04:21.000 --> 00:04:24.000 Their theme today is a night before Christmas. 00:04:24.000 --> 00:04:27.000 Since 1987 Omega Delta Phi is a multi-cultural service 00:04:27.000 --> 00:04:32.000 and social for learning that graduates its members and gives back to the community. 00:04:32.000 --> 00:04:36.000 A knight loves to give back to the community, mainly the night before Christmas. 00:04:36.000 --> 00:04:40.000 Love the play on words, gentleman. 00:04:40.000 --> 00:04:44.000 crowd noise 00:04:44.000 --> 00:04:46.000 Here are the ladies of Kappa Delta Chi. 00:04:46.000 --> 00:04:49.000 You'll never catch me I'm the gingerbread maam. 00:04:49.000 --> 00:04:53.000 The sisters of Kappa Delta sorority are chasing the gingerbread maam. 00:04:53.000 --> 00:04:56.000 Run, run as fast as you can, you'll never catch me. 00:04:56.000 --> 00:04:60.000 He's the gingerbread maam. 00:05:00.000 --> 00:05:07.000 crowd cheers 00:05:07.000 --> 00:05:11.000 Following them up, the American Sign Language Club. 00:05:14.000 --> 00:05:17.000 WOU's ASL club is passing out candy to all the good children. 00:05:17.000 --> 00:05:24.000 crowd cheers 00:05:54.000 --> 00:05:58.000 Laughs, Hi! 00:06:01.000 --> 00:06:06.000 Hey from Multicultural Leadership Club, they wish everyone a happy holiday. 00:06:06.000 --> 00:06:15.000 cheers 00:06:15.000 --> 00:06:18.000 Now coming up we have PT Northwest 00:06:18.000 --> 00:06:22.000 And they're theme is ugly sweaters. 00:06:22.000 --> 00:06:31.000 crowd noise 00:06:32.000 --> 00:06:38.000 Look up, they're popping out of nowhere. 00:06:38.000 --> 00:06:44.000 crowd noise 00:06:52.000 --> 00:06:55.000 There is a bicycle. 00:06:55.000 --> 00:06:59.000 Bicycle shop of Monmouth is here is their 1985 Volvo wagon 00:06:59.000 --> 00:06:64.000 with their bikes all lit up on the roof with care. 00:07:04.000 --> 00:07:08.000 bike horn, crowd cheers 00:07:14.000 --> 00:07:18.000 Up next is the awesome State Representative Paul Evans. 00:07:18.000 --> 00:07:23.000 Give it up for your local representative. I see him there in the brown jacket. 00:07:23.000 --> 00:07:27.000 Paul represents our district at the state capitol 00:07:27.000 --> 00:07:30.000 and he works tirelessly for all of us. 00:07:30.000 --> 00:07:36.000 He is a former WOU student and a former ASWOU president. 00:07:42.000 --> 00:07:46.000 This is amazing. Myers Towning, proudly service Monmouth/Independence. 00:07:46.000 --> 00:07:52.000 has brought us the mostly beautifully lit tow truck complete with Christmas minion. 00:07:52.000 --> 00:07:56.000 This is amazing. 00:07:56.000 --> 00:07:60.000 There's a dog on top. 00:08:00.000 --> 00:08:04.000 There's a truck on top of a truck which makes a lot of sense. 00:08:04.000 --> 00:08:10.000 Looks like a Christmas tow truck on the Christmas tow truck. 00:08:10.000 --> 00:08:15.000 crowd cheers 00:08:21.000 --> 00:08:24.000 I am loving this. 00:08:24.000 --> 00:08:28.000 Central FFA comes to you from Central High School. 00:08:28.000 --> 00:08:31.000 Their float is on a 28-foot trailer 00:08:31.000 --> 00:08:36.000 complete with sleight, reindeer, Christmas tree and lovely presents. 00:08:36.000 --> 00:08:42.000 This is amazing, georgeous. Excellent work Central High School FFA. 00:08:43.000 --> 00:08:48.000 Give it up for them that was a lot of work. 00:08:48.000 --> 00:08:52.000 crowd cheers, applause 00:09:00.000 --> 00:09:04.000 Is that a tree? They have a living tree. 00:09:04.000 --> 00:09:11.000 and music. They brought their own tunes. So appreciated. 00:09:12.000 --> 00:09:16.000 music....sing with them folks, you know the words. 00:09:16.000 --> 00:09:20.000 music 00:09:28.000 --> 00:09:32.000 When you all come to Western after you graduate from Central 00:09:32.000 --> 00:09:35.000 you should definitely join SAB to help us on the parade 00:09:35.000 --> 00:09:37.000 cuz y'all took it up a notch. 00:09:42.000 --> 00:09:46.000 Coming up it's Girl Scout Troupe 10601. 00:09:46.000 --> 00:09:48.000 They want to wish you a happy holidays. 00:09:48.000 --> 00:09:53.000 Y'all are looking lovely this evening. 00:09:53.000 --> 00:09:59.000 Thank you for all that you do in the community and mostly for the cookies. 00:09:59.000 --> 00:09:62.000 I hope you brought Santa some. 00:10:02.000 --> 00:10:08.000 I think girl scouts are always on the good list cuz they always have cookies. 00:10:08.000 --> 00:10:12.000 Up next we have Monmouth Public Works 00:10:12.000 --> 00:10:15.000 and their doing the Spirit of Christmas 00:10:15.000 --> 00:10:19.000 and its decorated with lights and they are working in conjunction with the girls scouts. 00:10:19.000 --> 00:10:24.000 It's lovely. A beautiful truck, y'all. 00:10:24.000 --> 00:10:29.000 crowd cheers 00:10:29.000 --> 00:10:32.000 Give it up for the WOU Student Veterans of America chapter 00:10:32.000 --> 00:10:35.000 and their Toys for Tots program. 00:10:35.000 --> 00:10:39.000 Toys for Tots is a program run by the United States Marine Corp Reserve 00:10:39.000 --> 00:10:41.000 which distributes toys to children during the holiday season. 00:10:41.000 --> 00:10:44.000 Please donate toys this season for a family in need. 00:10:44.000 --> 00:10:50.000 The Western Student Veterans of America chapter wishes everyone a happy holidays. 00:10:50.000 --> 00:10:53.000 Thank you so much for your service. 00:10:53.000 --> 00:10:60.000 cheers 00:11:05.000 --> 00:11:10.000 cheers, I'm out. 00:11:10.000 --> 00:11:13.000 Next up we have the WOU royalty court. 00:11:13.000 --> 00:11:19.000 And we found two seniors that embrace the values of Western Oregon University 00:11:20.000 --> 00:11:22.000 And that really represent their peers. 00:11:22.000 --> 00:11:27.000 It is a mixed selection of voting and interviews with faculty and staff 00:11:27.000 --> 00:11:29.000 based on our core values. 00:11:29.000 --> 00:11:33.000 This year's WOU royalty are Efra and Poco. 00:11:33.000 --> 00:11:36.000 Give it up for your WOU wolf royalty. 00:11:36.000 --> 00:11:40.000 Hi Efra. Hi Poco...cheers, laughter. 00:11:40.000 --> 00:11:54.000 00:11:54.000 --> 00:11:57.000 The next one's real loud. 00:11:57.000 --> 00:11:60.000 sirens 00:12:12.000 --> 00:12:16.000 This is really delightful. Someone has deck out this fire truck. 00:12:16.000 --> 00:12:20.000 Wait! I wonder. Do you think it could be? 00:12:20.000 --> 00:12:24.000 I sure hope he's going to be here. Normally, he's really busy. 00:12:24.000 --> 00:12:26.000 sirens...and Monmouth isn't a very big town. 00:12:26.000 --> 00:12:32.000 Wait. Hold on, hold on, I'm getting news 00:12:32.000 --> 00:12:36.000 sirens...it's true, y'all. Santa is here. 00:12:36.000 --> 00:12:40.000 cheers 00:12:40.000 --> 00:12:45.000 Huge thanks to Central Fire for providing Santa's ride tonight. 00:12:45.000 --> 00:12:48.000 cheers 00:12:48.000 --> 00:12:52.000 Good evening and welcome to the 50th anniversary holiday tree lighting. 00:12:52.000 --> 00:12:54.000 at Western Oregon University. 00:12:54.000 --> 00:12:59.000 We want to thank you, our community members, students, faculty and staff 00:12:59.000 --> 00:12:61.000 for joining us this evening. 00:13:01.000 --> 00:13:05.000 I'd also like to welcome Gayna Meyers Miles 00:13:05.000 --> 00:13:07.000 an Oregon College of Education alumni 00:13:07.000 --> 00:13:11.000 who was a sophomore when the first holiday tree lighting 00:13:11.000 --> 00:13:15.000 was celebrated in 1967...cheers 00:13:15.000 --> 00:13:20.000 Yes, give it up for her...cheers. 00:13:20.000 --> 00:13:23.000 She was a resident of Todd Hall when it was a women's dormitory 00:13:23.000 --> 00:13:26.000 and recalls that she wanted to decorate the giant sequoia 00:13:26.000 --> 00:13:28.000 in front of the building. 00:13:28.000 --> 00:13:32.000 And she reached out to the Monmouth Fire Department Chief Don Milligan 00:13:32.000 --> 00:13:34.000 for assistance with the project. 00:13:34.000 --> 00:13:38.000 After helping to raise money for more than 1,000 lights 00:13:38.000 --> 00:13:42.000 Mrs. Miles recalls asking Chief Milligan to have the fire department 00:13:42.000 --> 00:13:44.000 string them on the tree. 00:13:44.000 --> 00:13:49.000 Mrs. Miles has attended several tree lighting celebrations during the past 50 years 00:13:49.000 --> 00:13:51.000 and we are thrilled to have her with us today. 00:13:51.000 --> 00:13:60.000 Again, let's give it up to her and her great idea...applause 00:14:00.000 --> 00:14:03.000 Tonight is an opportunity to celebrate the season 00:14:03.000 --> 00:14:08.000 And to give thanks to family, friends and our supportive community. 00:14:08.000 --> 00:14:10.000 This is also the season of giving. 00:14:10.000 --> 00:14:14.000 I encourage you to remember those less fortunate than ourselves 00:14:14.000 --> 00:14:16.000 with care and compassion. And to give them 00:14:16.000 --> 00:14:20.000 any time and energy that you may have to help those around you 00:14:20.000 --> 00:14:22.000 have a happy holiday season. 00:14:22.000 --> 00:14:27.000 Tonight, we are honored to have Mayor Steve Milligan from the City of Monmouth 00:14:27.000 --> 00:14:29.000 and Mayor John McArdle from the City of Independence 00:14:29.000 --> 00:14:32.000 joinin us for tonight's festivities. 00:14:32.000 --> 00:14:39.000 I'm please to introduce Mayor Milligan...applause 00:14:39.000 --> 00:14:41.000 Good evening and welcome to Monmouth. 00:14:41.000 --> 00:14:45.000 It was in 1998 that I made it to my first tree lighting. 00:14:45.000 --> 00:14:46.000 And when I got to Monmouth they told me 00:14:46.000 --> 00:14:49.000 there were two events to make sure that I got to 00:14:49.000 --> 00:14:56.000 One was the Fourth of July parade and the other was the Tree Lighting. 00:14:56.000 --> 00:14:59.000 And it's really exciting to see this many people here tonight. 00:14:59.000 --> 00:14:61.000 What amazing weather we've got. 00:15:01.000 --> 00:15:04.000 I wish we could have this weather every year. Anyway, 00:15:04.000 --> 00:15:09.000 welcome to town, have a great evening and have a happy holiday. 00:15:09.000 --> 00:15:16.000 applause....and now Mayor John McArdle of Independence 00:15:16.000 --> 00:15:19.000 You know on this 50th anniversary 00:15:19.000 --> 00:15:22.000 I want to share a couple of reflections about tree lighting. 00:15:22.000 --> 00:15:25.000 You know many, many years ago 00:15:25.000 --> 00:15:28.000 on a night just kind of like this. 00:15:28.000 --> 00:15:30.000 It mighta been a little colder. 00:15:30.000 --> 00:15:34.000 A young man took a young lady out for a little walk. 00:15:34.000 --> 00:15:36.000 and under that giant tree 00:15:36.000 --> 00:15:41.000 lit by the lights, the beautiful lights, he asked her 00:15:41.000 --> 00:15:45.000 if she'd want to spend the rest of her life with him? 00:15:45.000 --> 00:15:50.000 Well, she looked, she screamed and then she said yes. 00:15:50.000 --> 00:15:55.000 Twenty-five years later, we're still married. 00:15:55.000 --> 00:15:58.000 and some might say that holiday miracles continue. 00:15:58.000 --> 00:15:63.000 cheers...applause 00:16:03.000 --> 00:16:07.000 This tree also symbolizes home. 00:16:07.000 --> 00:16:09.000 Home and friends 00:16:09.000 --> 00:16:13.000 and a number of years ago a very, very good friend of mine 00:16:13.000 --> 00:16:15.000 got off a plan in Portland. 00:16:15.000 --> 00:16:19.000 He hustled a ride to get to tree lighting. 00:16:19.000 --> 00:16:22.000 And he made it here just in time. 00:16:22.000 --> 00:16:25.000 And when the lights of the tree came on 00:16:25.000 --> 00:16:28.000 we could see him standing, 00:16:28.000 --> 00:16:31.000 our neighbor, underneath the tree 00:16:31.000 --> 00:16:34.000 in his desert camouflage uniform 00:16:34.000 --> 00:16:38.000 with Iraqi dirt still on his boots 00:16:38.000 --> 00:16:42.000 he was home. And we were happy for him. 00:16:42.000 --> 00:16:44.000 And this was home and it was good. 00:16:44.000 --> 00:16:47.000 And that gentleman, he knows who I'm talking about 00:16:47.000 --> 00:16:52.000 is in the crowd tonight. And I'm so happy that he's here. 00:16:52.000 --> 00:16:56.000 cheers...applause 00:16:56.000 --> 00:16:61.000 And finally, I ask each of you during this holiday season 00:17:01.000 --> 00:17:03.000 to take a moment 00:17:03.000 --> 00:17:07.000 and hug that lovely person that you're with. That loved one. 00:17:07.000 --> 00:17:12.000 to offer the hand of friendship to someone that you don't know 00:17:12.000 --> 00:17:15.000 because our communities are warm 00:17:15.000 --> 00:17:21.000 and welcoming for everybody from wherever they are from. 00:17:21.000 --> 00:17:24.000 And isn't that part of what the lighted tree 00:17:24.000 --> 00:17:27.000 and the holiday season is all about. 00:17:27.000 --> 00:17:32.000 Warmth, welcoming and mutual respect. 00:17:32.000 --> 00:17:35.000 With that I offer you best wishes 00:17:35.000 --> 00:17:37.000 I look to see you in our community 00:17:37.000 --> 00:17:40.000 and have a wonderful evening. Thank you. 00:17:40.000 --> 00:17:46.000 cheers...applause 00:17:46.000 --> 00:17:50.000 Thank you Mayor Milligan and Mayor McArdle. 00:17:50.000 --> 00:17:53.000 Every year the student activities board of Western Oregon University 00:17:53.000 --> 00:17:56.000 invites students from Ash Creek Elementary 00:17:56.000 --> 00:17:60.000 Monmouth Elementary and Independence Elementary to participate 00:18:00.000 --> 00:18:03.000 in a coloring and essay contest. 00:18:03.000 --> 00:18:06.000 We want to thank all of the student who participated this year. 00:18:06.000 --> 00:18:12.000 And at this time we'd like to recognize and congratulate the top contest winners from each grade. 00:18:12.000 --> 00:18:18.000 Beginning with our Kindergarten winner we have Bella Costiglioia. 00:18:18.000 --> 00:18:21.000 cheers...applause 00:18:21.000 --> 00:18:24.000 She is from Ash Creek Elementary. 00:18:27.000 --> 00:18:32.000 cheers...applause 00:18:35.000 --> 00:18:40.000 The top picture in the 1st grade belongs to Renee Ballesteros 00:18:40.000 --> 00:18:42.000 Renee couldn't be here but let's give it up for Renee. 00:18:42.000 --> 00:18:44.000 applause 00:18:44.000 --> 00:18:47.000 She is from Independence Elementary school 00:18:47.000 --> 00:18:52.000 And finally the top picture from 2nd grade Daisy Hernandez from Monmouth Elementary. 00:18:52.000 --> 00:18:60.000 And here she comes...cheers...applause 00:19:04.000 --> 00:19:07.000 A number of these beautiful pictures entered in the contest 00:19:07.000 --> 00:19:10.000 are on display in Werner University Center. 00:19:10.000 --> 00:19:14.000 So please stop by and view the wonderful work these students have created. 00:19:14.000 --> 00:19:18.000 We will now introduce the winners of the essay contest. 00:19:18.000 --> 00:19:20.000 This year students were asked to describe 00:19:20.000 --> 00:19:23.000 what they think the world will be like in 50 years? 00:19:23.000 --> 00:19:27.000 The winners I'm about to announce were the top three overall 00:19:27.000 --> 00:19:30.000 amongst all the students from the 3rd-5th grade. 00:19:30.000 --> 00:19:33.000 Again, as I announce your name please come forward. 00:19:33.000 --> 00:19:38.000 We begin with 3rd place Aaron Hays from Monmouth Elementary. 00:19:38.000 --> 00:19:43.000 cheers...applause 00:19:43.000 --> 00:19:48.000 A big round of applause for Aaron. 00:19:48.000 --> 00:19:53.000 In 2nd place we have Brenda Guillen from Ash Creek Elementary school. 00:19:53.000 --> 00:19:56.000 And I believe she's going to read her essay. 00:19:56.000 --> 00:19:60.000 I think that in 50 years the world will be 00:20:00.000 --> 00:20:03.000 the world will be beautiful. 00:20:03.000 --> 00:20:08.000 It will be warm and cold. It will be sunny 00:20:08.000 --> 00:20:09.000 00:20:09.000 --> 00:20:12.000 And the stars will be happy. 00:20:12.000 --> 00:20:15.000 People will have a beautiful life. 00:20:15.000 --> 00:20:18.000 The tree lighting is so bright 00:20:18.000 --> 00:20:23.000 it will make your heart shine like a star. 00:20:23.000 --> 00:20:28.000 We're all stars and so 00:20:28.000 --> 00:20:32.000 in 50 years everyone 00:20:32.000 --> 00:20:36.000 will have a roof and food, help others if you want. 00:20:36.000 --> 00:20:40.000 Help others if you want people to help you. 00:20:40.000 --> 00:20:43.000 That was beautiful. Thank you so much. 00:20:43.000 --> 00:20:46.000 cheers...applause 00:20:46.000 --> 00:20:49.000 And now I would like to introduce the winner of the essay contest. 00:20:49.000 --> 00:20:51.000 And she also will have the honor of reading her essay 00:20:51.000 --> 00:20:54.000 and the privilege of helping to light the tree later. 00:20:54.000 --> 00:20:60.000 Kyleah Medal from Mr. Kreta's class at Monmouth Elementary school please come forward. 00:21:00.000 --> 00:21:04.000 cheers...applause 00:21:11.000 --> 00:21:14.000 In 50 years, I hope our world is a better place. 00:21:14.000 --> 00:21:19.000 The reason I say that is because right now I see a lot of problems in the world. 00:21:19.000 --> 00:21:24.000 For example, crime, racism, homelessness, hunger, 00:21:24.000 --> 00:21:26.000 and war are major problems in the world. 00:21:26.000 --> 00:21:31.000 Unfortunately, I think that things are going to get worse before they get better. 00:21:31.000 --> 00:21:34.000 00:21:34.000 --> 00:21:38.000 put away their differences and come together. 00:21:38.000 --> 00:21:43.000 Once they do, I think people will help 00:21:43.000 --> 00:21:47.000 take care of each other which will help reduce the problems 00:21:47.000 --> 00:21:50.000 related to poverty that I listed earlier. 00:21:50.000 --> 00:21:56.000 If we do that, we will have happier, fuller lives where people live in peace. 00:21:56.000 --> 00:21:58.000 That's beautiful. Thank you. 00:21:58.000 --> 00:21:62.000 applause 00:22:02.000 --> 00:22:09.000 And now, the moment we've been waiting for. 00:22:09.000 --> 00:22:12.000 If you received a candle this evening 00:22:12.000 --> 00:22:15.000 please be sure to turn it on at this time. 00:22:15.000 --> 00:22:17.000 So if you have a please candle turn it on. 00:22:17.000 --> 00:22:20.000 And our two winners will help us in a moment. 00:22:20.000 --> 00:22:23.000 May I have the lights out please? 00:22:23.000 --> 00:22:28.000 cheers 00:22:28.000 --> 00:22:32.000 Alright. So you have to help me with the countdown. 00:22:32.000 --> 00:22:37.000 Are you ready? 10...9...8 00:22:46.000 --> 00:22:52.000 cheers....applause 00:22:52.000 --> 00:22:56.000 music 00:22:56.000 --> 00:22:60.000 music 00:23:00.000 --> 00:23:04.000 music 00:23:04.000 --> 00:23:06.000 music 00:23:06.000 --> 00:23:10.000 Fifty years ago, I was a sophomore and lived in Todd Hall. 00:23:10.000 --> 00:23:16.000 And I was the fire marshal of the dorm so I wanted to decorate something special. 00:23:16.000 --> 00:23:19.000 And we weren't allowed to decorate the dorm so I picked 00:23:19.000 --> 00:23:24.000 that large tree across the street and decided to buy some lights for it. 00:23:24.000 --> 00:23:28.000 I checked with the fire marshal first to see if the firemen 00:23:28.000 --> 00:23:32.000 would decorate the tree for me because I wasn't able to. 00:23:32.000 --> 00:23:34.000 And they agreed to do so. 00:23:34.000 --> 00:23:37.000 But then I had to raise the money and buy the lights. 00:23:37.000 --> 00:23:41.000 Thanks to all the president's of all the dorms here at Western Oregon 00:23:41.000 --> 00:23:46.000 I was able to collect over $300. Buy the lights for the tree. 00:23:46.000 --> 00:23:49.000 Place them on the fire chief's desk. 00:23:49.000 --> 00:23:53.000 The Monmouth Fire Chief Don Milligan, he agreed to decorate the tree 00:23:53.000 --> 00:23:55.000 and that's when it all started. 00:23:55.000 --> 00:23:59.000 I was in the fire department at the time and 00:23:59.000 --> 00:23:64.000 we were told by the chief to decorate the tree. 00:24:04.000 --> 00:24:10.000 And I climbed the tree part way up 00:24:10.000 --> 00:24:14.000 because we had other people more brave than me 00:24:14.000 --> 00:24:17.000 who went to the top. 00:24:17.000 --> 00:24:21.000 We strung some lights, 50 years ago. 00:24:26.000 --> 00:24:32.000 I actually inspect it every year along with the other mechanical features of it. 00:24:32.000 --> 00:24:36.000 Its never cracked. Its never failed. And its gone through some heavy duty wind storms 00:24:36.000 --> 00:24:39.000 so we're proud of it down at the physical plant. 00:24:39.000 --> 00:24:44.000 The lights are way better but the memories are the still the same. 00:24:49.000 --> 00:24:55.000 It still brings as much joy to me now as it did that first night when we turned the lights on. 00:24:56.000 --> 00:24:60.000 music 00:25:00.000 --> 00:25:04.000 music 00:25:04.000 --> 00:25:08.000 Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree... 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:12.000 music 00:25:12.000 --> 00:25:16.000 music 00:25:16.000 --> 00:25:20.000 music 00:25:20.000 --> 00:25:24.000 music 00:25:24.000 --> 00:25:28.000 music 00:25:28.000 --> 00:25:31.000 music