What's in a name? Combat training range and flower linked Published Nov. 28, 2012 By Rob Sexton 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Poinsett - poinsettia. Electronic combat range - Christmas flower. Where's the link? Easy, if you're an historical trivia buff. The answer is: Joel Roberts Poinsett, 1779 to 1851, a South Carolina leader whose life ended in Stateburg, about two miles west of Shaw, is the link. A Charleston native, Poinsett is buried at Holy Cross Church in Stateburg. Poinsett was not only a politician who filled many political positions including congressman, secretary of war and minister (ambassador) to Mexico, but also a botanist who discovered many unidentified plant species. Poinsettias are the large, red-flowered plants associated with Christmas, which Poinsett found in Mexico. Today he is memorialized locally in several ways, such as an historical marker, a state park named after him and the flowers. Sumter pushes Poinsett's name to the foreground this time of year with the Poinsettia Festival which runs Dec. 1 to 14. Kicking off the festival is the holiday lights display at Swan Lake-Iris Gardens in Sumter, beginning at 6 p.m., Dec. 1. This year's opening ceremony is celebrating the 25th annual Fantasy of Lights and the 33rd anniversary of the floating Christmas tree. The world-famous, 150-acre Swan Lake-Iris Gardens will glow with more than a million lights and 150 lighted figures. Sumter's Pilot Club started the floating Christmas tree as a fundraiser for various organizations in need more than 28 years ago. The opening ceremony is a tradition, along with the Fantasy of Lights. The Fantasy of Lights is approaching its 25th year. Santa's Village will open Dec. 7 and will be open every Friday and Saturday from 6-8 p.m. until Dec. 22. As part of Sumter's annual Poinsettia Festival, kids can see Santa and enjoy holiday entertainment, refreshments and more, according to a city press release. Also, kids can bring their letters for Santa and drop them off. For more details of the Poinsettia Festival, visit www.sumtertourism.com.