(Via Ho’okele News)
This year’s rendition of the 45th Annual Tower Lighting Ceremony celebration held Dec. 12 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam drew a crowd of more than 5,000.
The celebration provided attendees with a variety of entertainment, including bounce houses, holiday crafts, trampo-lines, the chance to visit Santa Claus and his workshop village and music from the Air Force Band of the Pacific and the Pacific Fleet Band.
The main attraction, however, was the Freedom Tower itself. Attendees were treated to a tower brighter than last year’s, as it was equipped with brand new LED lighting. While the display itself was brighter, the new lighting actually conserves energy and saves money.
“The new LED system uses approximately 75-percent less energy than the lights used last year,” said Navy Capt. Stanley Keeve Jr., Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam commander.
Keeve said the new system allows the joint base to reduce its footprint on the aina (land), save money and allow joint base residents and visitors to enjoy a beautiful show.
Freedom Tower is slated to be lit seven days a week, beginning at dusk. Pending any decision to remove the lights sooner, visitors should be able to view the illuminated tower until the end of the year. Freedom Tower is located on Manzelman Circle, near Hickam Elementary School.
