Text 3766, 80 rader
Skriven 2006-12-07 23:31:12 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (0612076) for Thu, 2006 Dec 7
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President Bush Attends Lighting of the National Christmas Tree
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 7, 2006

President Bush Attends Lighting of the National Christmas Tree
The Ellipse


˙˙˙˙˙ Holidays at the White House 2006

5:55 P.M. EST

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.)

END 5:59 P.M. EST

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