Capitol Christmas Tree

Rep. Denham issued the following statement about the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree that was cut in the Stanislaus National Forest on November 5th and will arrive in our nation’s Capitol on November 28th. :

“I am extremely proud that the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will be coming from the Stanislaus National Forest this year. Supplying ‘The People’s Tree,’ as it is commonly called, is an honor for our district and the state. 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.”

Thousands of volunteer man hours will go into the coordination of brining the tree to Washington. Volunteers and organizations in California are coordinating everything from the tree cutting and transport to the many events that will take place as the tree travels across the country. When the tree arrives in Washington in December it will be decorated with nearly 3,000 handmade ornaments made in California.

A choir from Congressman Denham’s district, the Jazz@8 from Summerville High School, has been invited to perform in Washington, D.C., for the lighting of the tree. Johnny Crawford, a 7 year old from Sonora, will jointly turn the lights on at the ceremony with House Speaker John Boehner.

More Information:

For the latest information about the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Tour visit www.capitolchristmastree2011.org.

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.

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.

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.