*****THIS IS THE NONSENSE THAT IS FINALLY ENDING *****
The 2004 Capitol Holiday Tree
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2004 Capitol Grounds Holiday Tree The lights on the U.S. Capitol Holiday Tree were lit during a ceremony held on Thursday, December 9, at 5 p.m. on the West Front Lawn of the Capitol. Architect of the Capitol Alan Hantman served as master of ceremonies. The Honorable Dennis Hastert, the Speaker of the House, pressed the switch lighting the tree at dusk.
This year's tree is from the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests located in Virginia. The 65-foot red spruce is decorated with 5,000 ornaments crafted by Virginians that symbolize the state; large, globe-shaped ornaments; and 10,000 lights.
The tree-lighting program included a performance by the Mountain Mission School Concert Choir from Grundy, Virginia. Blayne Braden, a seven-year-old from Monterey, Virginia, assisted Speaker Hastert with the lighting of the tree. Senator John Warner, (R-Va.), Senator George Allen (R-Va.), and Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) all offered holiday greeting to the crowd. In addition, the U.S. Air Force Band performed holiday favorites.
The Holiday Tree has been a tradition at the U.S. Capitol since 1964. The tree will be lit from dusk until 11 p.m. each evening through the end of December.
To learn more about the 2004 Capitol Holiday Tree and the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, you may visit the tree's Web site (www.capitolholidaytree2004.org). Information about the history of the Capitol Grounds Holiday Trees is also available.