Head to Kings Canyon National Park on December 11 to mark the 91st ceremony to lay a wreath at the base of the General Grant Tree/NPS

For 90 years, an evergreen wreath has been laid at the base of a giant sequoia in Kings Canyon National Park in California to mark the holiday season and honor those who fought for the United States, and you can make the trek for the 91st event on December 11.

The event, sponsored by the Sanger District Chamber of Commerce (California) in cooperation with the National Park Service to honor those who fought and died for the United States, will include the Jubilation Singers, Sanger High School Choir, and a non-denominational holiday message. During the ceremony, a Park Service representative will speak about the General Grant Tree’s role as a national shrine in memory of the men and women of the Armed Forces who have served, fought, and died to keep America free.

The ceremony will be held at the General Grant Tree, a quarter-mile walk from an adjacent parking lot. Trekkers are encouraged to arrive early as parking is limited for this popular event. Entrance to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks will be free on December 11 to allow park visitors to experience the celebration of the Nation’s Christmas Tree. In addition, chartered buses to the park from Sanger, California, may be available with a fee and by reservation at 559-875-4575.

To reach Kings Canyon National Park by vehicle, take Highway 180 east from Fresno for approximately 55 miles. Visitors are advised to check road and weather conditions in advance and be prepared for bad weather. Walking surfaces may be slippery and snowy. Travelers should provide additional time to accommodate for weather conditions. Drivers must bring and be prepared to use tire chains or cables, if required. For weather and road condition information, call 559-565-3341 and press 1.