    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book II)]
    [December 1, 2005]
    [Pages 1801-1802]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on Lighting the National Christmas Tree
    December 1, 2005

        Thank you all very much. Welcome to the Christmas Pageant of Peace.
    Laura and I are so honored to join you all. The
    lighting of the National Christmas Tree is one of the great traditions
    in our Nation's Capital. Each year, we gather here to celebrate the
    season of hope and joy and to remember the story of one humble life that
    lifted the sights of humanity.
        Santa, thanks for coming. [Laughter] Glad you made it. I know you've
    got a lot of commitments this time of year. By the way, we have a lot of
    chimneys in the White House--[laughter]--if you're looking for something
    to do. I appreciate all our entertainers. Thanks for being here. This is
    a fantastic evening.
        I want to thank Peter Nostrand, who is
    the chairman of the Christmas Pageant of Peace, and John
    Betchkal, all the members of the board. I
    appreciate Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton, other members of my Cabinet who are here. I appreciate the
    Members of Congress who have come.
        I particularly want to give a special thanks to the National Parks
    Service Director Fran Mainella and all
    the good folks who work for the National Parks Service. Reverend
    Martin, thank you very much as well.
        Christmas is a time to rejoice and to give thanks for the blessings
    of the season and for the blessings that surround us every day of the
    year. We also remember that we have a responsibility to help those in
    need. America is a compassionate and generous land, and acts of kindness
    toward others fulfill the spirit of the season.

    [[Page 1802]]

        As we approach Christmas in this time of war, we pray for freedom
    and justice and peace on Earth. In his Christmas Eve address to the
    Nation in 1941, Franklin Roosevelt said that ``Against enemies who
    preach the principles of hate and practice them, we set our faith in
    human love, and in God's care for us and all men everywhere.'' We ask
    for God to watch over our men and women in uniform who are serving
    overseas. Their families miss them, hold a seat open for them, and pray
    for their safe return. America's military men and women stand for
    freedom, and they serve the cause of peace. Many of them are serving in
    distant lands tonight, but they are close to our hearts.
        As an expression of our hope for peace and happiness in this
    Christmas season, we light the National Christmas Tree. Jackie, Melissa, and Jenna
    Kantor of Bethesda are with us here. They
    started ``Project Backpack'' to give children displaced by Hurricane
    Katrina new backpacks filled with books and toys and school supplies.
    These girls are an example of the compassion that is found in the hearts
    and souls of Americans everywhere, and they have shown how much good can
    be done when we reach out to help a neighbor in need. And so Laura and I now invite them to join us to turn on the lights.
        And would you help turn on these lights, as well, by counting down.
    Five, four, three, two, one.

    Note: The President spoke at 5:55 p.m. on the Ellipse at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to John J. Betchkal, president,
    Christmas Pageant of Peace; and Rev. Richard B. Martin, pastor, Church
    of the Nativity, Burke, VA.