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November 7, 2011
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will arrive at the West Front of the Capitol along First Street, NW, at 10 a.m. on Monday, November 28, 2011.
This year’s tree — a 65-foot Sierra white fir — is from California’s Stanislaus National Forest. It was harvested on November 5, and is beginning its trek throughout California and across the country. After it arrives at the U.S. Capitol and is secured in the ground, the tree will be decorated with approximately 3,000 ornaments, handcrafted by Californians to reflect this year’s theme, “California Shines,” and highlight the rich cultural and ecological diversity of the Golden State.
The tree will be lit by Speaker of the House John Boehner during a ceremony on Tuesday, December 6, on the Capitol’s West Front lawn beginning at 5 p.m. Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers, AIA, LEED AP, will serve as master of ceremonies.
“This year’s Capitol Christmas Tree, coming from Northern California’s national forests, will stand as a symbol of strength and comfort during the season of peace and good will,” said Speaker Boehner.
“The Capitol Christmas Tree has been a wonderful tradition on Capitol Hill for more than 45 years, and we are honored to have the awesome responsibility of decorating the tree. Our Capitol Grounds crew does an excellent job every year. The lighting ceremony is an event we all look forward to as a festive way to kick off the holiday season,” noted Ayers.
“Supplying ‘The People’s Tree,’ as it is commonly called, is an honor for our district and the state,” said Congressman Jeff Denham, who represents California’s 19th Congressional District. “This year’s tree showcases not only the beauty of California’s natural resources but the diversity of its cultures and charity of its residents. We take pride in knowing that this great representation of our district will be a symbol of the holidays in our nation’s Capitol this year.”
The Capitol Christmas Tree has been a tradition at the U.S. Capitol since 1964. The tree will be lit from night fall until 11 p.m. each evening through January 1, 2012.
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