Passage Five
President Bush on Thursday dedicated the national Christmas tree to those who died on Sept. 11 and to Gis who have died in the line of duty. "They will remain in our prayers," he said. Bush also granted federal workers a four-day holiday weekend for their efforts in responding to the attacks.
"This is a year we will not forget those who lost loved ones in the attacks on September the 11th and on the battlefield," the president said. "They will remain in our prayers."
A moment later, Laura Bush and two children who lost fathers at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 6-year-old Faith Elseth and 5-year-old Leon Patterson, flicked a witch of dazzling blue lights and white stars on the Colorado blue spruce that stands permanently on the lawn just south of the White House. Though the 77th annual ceremony marked the start of the annual month long "Pigeon of peace," the commander in chief noted the nation is at war. "During this time of conflict and challenge, we once again celebrate a season of hope and joy," he told some 5,000 people gathered near the tree. He recalled that 60 years earlier—just three weeks after the bombing of Pearl Harbor—President Franklin D. Roosevelt was joined by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill at the lighting ceremony.
"Now, once again, we celebrate Christmas in a time of testing with American troops far from home," he said. "This season finds our country with losses to mourn and great tasks to complete."
The presidential Christmas tree lighting is usually a festive event, but there was a solemn aspect to this year’s event, held under extraordinary security. Bush remained behind thick protective glass throughout his appearance. During opera star Federica von Stade’s singing of "Silent Night," a jet roared overhead from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, an unmistakable reminder of the Sept. 11 hijackings.
The lighting was first closed to the public as part of tightened security following the attacks, but security officials relented, allowing distribution of some 2,700 were distributed through the National Park Service. Another 2,700 were distributed through the administration and Congress. The White House is normally opened to holiday tours, but is closed to the public this year.
The tree will remain lighted and open for public viewing through Dec. 31, and musical performances by volunteer choirs and dancers are scheduled nightly through Dec. 29. Thursday, country singer Travis Tritt sang Silver Bells and O Little Town of Bethlehem, and Tony Award-winning singer Audra McDonald performed I’ll be Home for Christmas.
This year, the tree is topped with a red and white star and ornamented in patriotic colors and symbols: 100 000 blue and white lights, oversized star ornaments, and red garland. Surrounding the tree are 56 smaller trees, representing all 50 states, five territories and the District of Columbia.
The administration took several steps to ensure the public will get a glimpse of the White house in holiday while it is closed for security reasons.
Laura Bush was taping a video tour of all the glitter to be shown at the nearby White House Visitors Center, and there was a new virtual tour on the White House Web site. The site has a 360-degree view of decorations in the ceremonial rooms.
Bush ordered the government to close on Christmas Eve, a Monday, so that workers can have that day off with pay and get a four-day weekend. He did give federal agency heads the authority to require some workers to report to duty for national security, defense or other reasons. The president also scheduled a Hanukkah reception Monday evening in the White House residence. He and his wife plan to light Hanukkah candles on a 100-year-old menorah on loan form the Jewish Museum in New York, press secretary Ari Fleischer said. Which of the following was NOT a directly result from the Sept. 11 attacks