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 The energy-saving lights on the 2009 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree were turned on at a ceremony held December 8, 2009. Acting Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers was master of ceremonies and the Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, pressed the switch lighting the tree. She was joined by Kaitlyn Ferencik, a 12-year-old who attends Canyon Ridge Elementary School in Surprise, Arizona. Ferenick's name was drawn from the thousands of Arizona students who made ornaments for the tree; granting her the honor of assisting the Speaker with lighting the Christmas tree this year.
The program also featured holiday music by the United States Marine Band, and a special presentation by the White Mountain Apache Crown Dancers. Senator John McCain and Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick, as well as Governor Janice K. Brewer, extended their holiday greetings to the large crowd that gathered for the ceremony.
The 85-foot blue spruce is from the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in Arizona. The tree was felled in early November and made its trek to Washington, D.C., arriving at the U.S. Capitol on November 30. The tree was decorated with nearly 5,000 ornaments crafted by the people of Arizona that symbolize the state; large, globe-shaped ornaments; and 10,000 lights. For the 5th consecutive year, the Architect of the Capitol used LED lights on the tree, which use little energy, making them environmentally friendly. |
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