WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden asked the nation to continue seeking the light of liberty and love, generosity and compassion, dignity and decency, as he presided over his final Christmas tree lighting at the White House on Thursday.
As cold temperatures and freezing winds rocked the nation’s capital, Biden gave a brief speech to the throng, which was dressed in bulky winter clothing. Additionally present were Vice President Kamala Harris and her spouse, Doug Emhoff. The tree is visible from the streets and has been placed on the ellipse outside the White House South Lawn.
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area in Grayson County, Virginia, is where the 30-foot red spruce tree originated. On November 15, it was moved to the White House.
Biden’s holiday season is coming to an end. To evoke the tranquility and light of the season, his wife, Jill, has decorated the White House with whimsical accents. This year, she was in Doha, Qatar, talking about her women’s health project, thus she missed the lighting.
Therefore, Biden performed the honors himself, counting down from five before the tree’s tip-top to the base of its trunk lit up a happy bright green. Before descending to his seat for musical acts, he wished the audience a Merry Christmas.
According to Biden, the subject captures the tranquility we experience when we take a moment to consider our blessings and the light we see when we get together with loved ones and treasure our time spent together.
Every year, the tree lighting event is held. Among the artists on Thursday were Trisha Yearwood and Trombone Shorty.
A tall tree encircled by a carousel reminiscent of an amusement park, brass-colored bells and sleigh bells lining a hallway, and a snow-like ceiling pattern are all features of the White House Christmas show.
Earlier this year, Hurricane Helene hit a farm in Newland, North Carolina, where the tree was grown.A mudslide destroyed hundreds of trees at the Cartner’s Christmas Tree Farm, which had been there for decades.
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This report was written by Colleen Long of the Associated Press.
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