[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 172 (Wednesday, December 12, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2259]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 WELCOMING OF THE CAPITOL HOLIDAY TREE

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                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 11, 2001

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise this afternoon to share with my 
colleagues the remarkable story of the 2001 Capitol holiday tree. The 
holiday tree is a sixty-seven year old, 74-foot white spruce, that was 
cut on the Ottawa National Forest in the Western Upper Peninsula, in 
the great state of Michigan. Tonight at 5:00 p.m., the Speaker will 
throw a switch and illuminate this magnificent tree for the world to 
see.
  It is with a great sense of pride that I inform my colleagues that 
this is the fifth time that the state of Michigan has provided the 
Capitol holiday tree. This year's tree is aptly named the ``Tree of 
Hope,'' and will be displayed on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol until 
early January.
  Before arriving in Washington, D.C., the tree traveled throughout 
Michigan and stopped in 10 communities, including beautiful Monroe, in 
my congressional District.
  The tree will be decorated with 6,000 handcrafted ornaments provided 
by Michigan residents. And I would draw my colleagues' particular 
attention to the beautiful ornament provided by Monroe County Community 
College, a fine institution of higher learning in Michigan's 16th 
District. The ornament was designed by Jerry Morse, the graphic arts 
designer at the college, and constructed by Matt and Pam Hart of 
Temperance. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this fine 
craftsmanship.
  The Tree of Hope is a beautiful symbol of Michigan's vision of peace 
and optimism for the new millennium. The people of Michigan have 
provided their unique wishes and dreams of a better tomorrow with the 
6,000 handcrafted ornaments that will adorn the tree. It is a fitting 
message of peace for the holiday season.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Capitol holiday 
tree from the great state of Michigan, and the magnificent ornament 
from Monroe.

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