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Oct 10, 2012 10:32 AM

Mack Trucks unveiled the custom-decorated Mack Pinnacle  model, which will be driven by former US Sen Ben Nighthorse Campbell as he  hauls the 2012 Capitol Christmas Tree from Colorado to Washington DC.

  The theme of the design is “From One National Treasure to  Another,” pointing to Mack’s 112-year legacy. The truck features Mack the  Bulldog hauling a tree through the snow, with mountains in the background.

  “The Capitol Christmas Tree is a great tradition in the  United States, and Mack is proud to once again participate in the project,”  said John Walsh, Mack vice-president of marketing.

  Campbell, who represented Colorado from 1993-2005, also  helped transport the Capitol Christmas Tree in 2000.

  “It is a privilege to drive the tree for the US Capitol  from Colorado this year,” said Campbell. “It’s just as exciting, though, to get  behind the wheel of a Mack truck again. I know I can count on a great ride and  a uniquely American holiday experience.”

  Choose Outdoors, a national non-profit coalition for  outdoor recreation, is coordinating the 2012 Capitol Christmas Tree tour with  the White River National Forest.

  The Capitol Christmas Tree tour officially begins  November 3 in Meeker CO, where the tree will be harvested from the  2.3-million-acre White River National Forest in the Rocky Mountains. After a  celebration in Meeker, the tree will be wrapped and embark on its route to the  nation’s capital, stopping at cities and towns in Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas,  Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

  The SmartWay-certified Pinnacle Axle Back model sleeper  is equipped with a trailer, donated by Hale Trailer Brake and Wheel of  Allentown PA. The trailer will be fitted with a custom-built cradle to support  the tree’s branches. The tree will find its holiday home on the Capitol lawn  shortly after Thanksgiving, when it will be decorated with ornaments made by  Colorado youth and lit with 10,000 low-energy LED lights in a ceremony led by  Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH).