THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all very much. Laura and I are
pleased to welcome you to the Christmas Pageant of Peace. Christmas is a
season of glad tidings, and a time when our thoughts turn to the source
of joy and hope born in a humble manger 2000 years ago. And tonight we
gather to observe one of the great traditions of our Nation's Capital,
the lighting of the National Christmas Tree. (Applause.)
I'm really glad Santa made it. (Laughter.) I'm glad he could find a
place to park. (Laughter.) And I'm glad you all joined us tonight.
I want to thank Vin for his leadership of the National Park
Foundation. I thank Deputy Secretary of the Interior Lynn Scarlett for
joining us. I am pleased to be here with members of my Cabinet; members
of the Congress; Mary Bomar, who is the Director of the National Park
Service; Joe Lawler, Regional Director of the National Capital Region,
National Park Service. I want to thank all the National Park Service
employees for their hard work. (Applause.)
I appreciate Dr. Robert Schuller for leading the invocation. I want
to thank our fabulous entertainers for entertaining us tonight.
(Applause.)
We have gathered for this ceremony for more than 80 years. We come
together to celebrate a simple and inspiring story. It's a story of a
miraculous birth in a humble place. It is a story of a single life that
changed the world -- and continues to change hearts. And for two
millennia, this story has carried the message that God is with us and He
offers His love to every man, woman and child. (Applause.)
During the Christmas season we seek to reflect that love in our
lives. Millions of Americans will celebrate at home in fellowship with
friends and family. Millions will reach out with a compassionate hand to
help brothers and sisters in need. And all will give thanks to the bonds
of love and affection that bring fulfillment to our lives and the hope
of peace around the world.
At this time of year, we give thanks for the brave men and women in
uniform who are serving our nation. (Applause.) Many of those who have
answered the call of duty will spend this Christmas season far from home
and separated from family. We honor their sacrifice. We are proud of
their service and that of their families. We will keep them close to our
hearts and in our prayers.
And now, as an expression of our own hope for peace in this Christmas
season, we will light the National Tree. (Applause.) We've asked three
representatives from the National Park Service's Junior Ranger program
to help. The Junior Ranger Program teaches children and families about
science, nature and stewardship of our national parks.
And so, Attiyah Jenkins, Stephen Scott, and Dana Bederson will help
me light the National Christmas Tree. (Applause.)
Come on up, guys.
I ask all of you to join us in the countdown -- five, four, three,
two, one. (Applause.) |