    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
    [December 5, 2002]
    [Pages 2169-2170]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on Lighting the National Christmas Tree
    December 5, 2002

        Thank you very much. With the lighting of the National Christmas
    Tree, we observe one of the great traditions of our Nation's Capital.
    And throughout the Christmas season, we recall that God's love is found
    in humble places, and God's peace is offered to all of us. Laura and I are pleased to be with you at this Christmas
    Pageant of Peace, and we thank you all for coming as well.
        I want to thank Barbara for hosting this
    event. I want to thank all the entertainers for making the night such a
    special evening. Thank you all for coming. I want to thank
    Peter and the board of directors and the
    production team for organizing this fine event. I appreciate
    Santa coming. [Laughter] Looks like he needs a
    belt for Christmas. [Laughter] Finally, I want to thank all the good
    people of the National Park Service. The National Christmas Tree is a
    living tree, and the Park Service looks after it every single day of the
    year.

    [[Page 2170]]

        For nearly 80 years, in times of calm and in times of challenge,
    Americans have gathered for this ceremony. The simple story we remember
    during this season speaks to every generation. It is the story of a
    quiet birth in a little town on the margins of an indifferent empire,
    yet that single event set the direction of history and still changes
    millions of lives. For over two millennia, Christmas has carried the
    message that God is with us, and because He's with us, we can always
    live in hope.
        In this season, we celebrate with our families--and deeply miss
    family members no longer with us. Thousands of families in our Nation
    are still grieving over the terrible losses that came to them last year
    on September the 11th. We pray for their comfort. We pray for the
    comfort for everyone who has lost a life this year.
        Our entire Nation is also thinking at this time of year of the men
    and women in the military, many of whom will spend this Christmas at
    posts far from home. They stand between Americans and grave danger. They
    serve in the cause of peace and freedom. They wear the uniform proudly,
    and we are proud of them.
        Laura and I wish every American family the
    blessings of this season, happy holidays, and a merry Christmas. And now
    we have the honor of lighting the National Christmas Tree. And joining
    us we've got two new friends, Samara Banks and
    Ben Schneller, to help us light this tree.
        Now, if everybody--you all step up here. [Laughter] Get ready.
    Please join us in the countdown: Five, four, three, two, one.

    Note: The President spoke at 5:57 p.m. on the Ellipse during the annual
    Christmas Pageant of Peace. In his remarks, he referred to actress
    Barbara Eden, hostess, and Peter F. Nostrand, chairman, Christmas
    Pageant of Peace; entertainer Roy Clark, who played Santa Claus; and
    Samara Banks and Ben Schneller, children who assisted the President in
    lighting the National Christmas Tree. The Office of the Press Secretary
    also released a Spanish language transcript of these remarks.