Photos

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Sharing a Santa Smile…Hospitalman Rayven Palmer, assigned to Navy Medicine Readiness Training Command Bremerton takes an impromptu moment for a photo-op with visiting Santa, courtesy of Cris Larsen, notable local civic leader active with the Bremerton Chamber of Commerce Armed Forces Festival, who joined in the command’s annual tree lighting ceremony, December 10, 2024. The command has kept a symbolic light on with the event for those active-duty staff members over the years who have been deployed during the holidays. The tree-lighting is a long-established custom representing light, faith and hope which embodies the entire ceremony. The lights which adorn the tree are reminders of how the light of faith can dispel the darkness of a person’s fears, uncertainty and isolation. The tree itself, with the branches arching towards the heavens, has been a sign of faith for many throughout the ages. As a ‘tree of life,’ it endures the seasonal cycle from life to death to life again, inviting those attending to experience the spiritual renewal and hope that the holidays offer. And sharing a smile with Santa (Official Navy photo by Douglas H Stutz, NHB/NMRTC Bremerton public affairs officer).