    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book II)]
    [December 7, 2006]
    [Pages 2165-2166]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on Lighting the National Christmas Tree
    December 7, 2006

        Thank you all very much. Laura and I are
    pleased to welcome you to the Christmas Pageant of Peace. Christmas is a
    season of glad tidings and a time when our thoughts turn to the source
    of joy and hope born in a humble manger 2000 years ago. And tonight we
    gather to observe one of the great traditions of our Nation's Capital,
    the lighting of the National Christmas Tree.
        I'm really glad Santa made it. [Laughter] I'm glad he could find a
    place to park. [Laughter] And I'm glad you all joined us tonight.
        I want to thank Vin for his leadership of
    the National Park Foundation. I thank Deputy Secretary of the Interior
    Lynn Scarlett for joining us. I am pleased
    to be here with members of my Cabinet; Members of the Congress; Mary
    Bomar, who is the Director of the National
    Park Service; Joe Lawler, Regional Director
    of the National Capital Region, National Park

    [[Page 2166]]

    Service. I want to thank all the National Park Service employees for
    their hard work.
        I appreciate Dr. Robert Schuller for
    leading the invocation. I want to thank our fabulous entertainers for
    entertaining us tonight.
        We have gathered for this ceremony for more than 80 years. We come
    together to celebrate a simple and inspiring story. It's a story of a
    miraculous birth in a humble place. It is a story of a single life that
    changed the world and continues to change hearts. And for two millennia,
    this story has carried the message that God is with us and He offers His
    love to every man, woman, and child.
        During the Christmas season, we seek to reflect that love in our
    lives. Millions of Americans will celebrate at home in fellowship with
    friends and family. Millions will reach out with a compassionate hand to
    help brothers and sisters in need. And all will give thanks to the bonds
    of love and affection that bring fulfillment to our lives and the hope
    of peace around the world.
        At this time of year, we give thanks for the brave men and women in
    uniform who are serving our Nation. Many of those who have answered the
    call of duty will spend this Christmas season far from home and
    separated from family. We honor their sacrifice. We are proud of their
    service and that of their families. We will keep them close to our
    hearts and in our prayers.
        And now, as an expression of our own hope for peace in this
    Christmas season, we will light the National Tree. We've asked three
    representatives from the National Park
    Service's Junior Ranger Program to help. The Junior Ranger Program
    teaches children and families about science, nature, and stewardship of
    our national parks.
        And so Attiyah Jenkins, Stephen
    Scott, and Dana Bederson will help me light the National Christmas Tree. Come on
    up, guys.
        I ask all of you to join us in the countdown: 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 Vin Cipolla, president and chief
    executive officer, National Park Foundation; and Robert H. Schuller,
    minister, Reformed Church in America.