Annual Christmas Tree Ship with 1,200 trees arrived at Navy Pier on Saturday
A long-running holiday tradition returned to Navy Pier on Saturday morning, delivering more than a thousand Christmas trees to Chicago families who need them most.
This year's event also drew protesters as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem showed up for the celebration.
Twelve hundred Christmas trees hit the docks at Navy Pier, dropping from the US Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw into the arms of volunteers who know just how much this day means.
"That without a Christmas tree there is no Christmas," said George Kissel, Christmas Ship Committee chairman.
For 25 years, the moment has provided a true sense of the holiday tradition to families who struggle to make it happen.
"These trees people light up, the thought of going Christmas tree shopping for free, is very important," said Apostle St. John Chisum from Gifts of God Ministry in Englewood.
He said his community was already waiting.
"When we arrived, we unloaded truck, and people go free Christmas tree shopping, and they can just choose whatever tree they like, and then load it up, and go to their homes, and bless their homes with a live Christmas tree," he said.
Among the volunteers, the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, carrying trees to trucks and speaking about the impact these moments can have.
"Coming here this morning and seeing so many volunteers, organizations, Coast Guard members, people of the community stepping up to ensure that families have some holiday cheer," she said. "These trees today will go to loving homes where every child can experience the warmth, the love, and the meaning of Christmas."
Outside the ceremony, a different message. Nearly two dozen protesters gathered as the event began, turning Christmas carols into calls of outrage over "Operation Midway Blitz" and Noem's presence. Meanwhile, Chicago police formed a line keeping them back and away from the cheerful tradition.
Still, the ceremony continued with a tribute rooted in history, honoring the original Christmas tree ship that sank in 1912 while delivering 5,000 trees to Chicago families.
"Since 2000, over 31,000 Christmas trees have been given to Chicago families who had likely not otherwise been able to have a Christmas tree," Kissel said.
All of those trees are headed to non-profit organizations across the city who will then distribute them to families in need for the holiday season.