After the end of World War II, architect Edward D. Pierre had a “bright” idea. What if we could light the Soldiers and Sailors Monument for the holiday season as a reminder of the peace and unity we’d fought so hard to protect. It was a bold vision that wasn’t fully realized until 1962, when thousands of twinkling lights were finally strung from the base of Lady Victory 284 feet down to the street below.

Today, volunteers string and test 4,784 colored lights (each representing a branch of the US military) and more than two miles of garland. The display has continued to grow and evolve. Today, the “tree” is guarded by 26, 12-foot-tall toy soldiers and sailors and 26, ten-foot-tall peppermint sticks. It’s a sight to see. In fact, Travelocity named the Circle of Lights as one of the top five “must-see Christmas trees” in the nation!