    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book II)]
    [December 6, 2007]
    [Pages 1530-1531]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

     Remarks on Lighting the National Christmas Tree
    December 6, 2007

        Mr. Secretary, thank you for that kind
    introduction, and thank you all for joining us. Laura and I are pleased to welcome you on this joyous
    occasion. As the Secretary said, in a few moments, we will light the
    National Christmas Tree. And as he also said, this is a tradition that
    dates back to President Calvin Coolidge.
        There's one person with us today who remembers that first annual
    Christmas tree lighting, and, Santa, we are glad you're here. [Laughter]
    We know this is a busy time of year for you, and we're thrilled you're
    here. And we really appreciate you bringing Mrs. Claus. Both you and I
    married well. [Laughter]
        I appreciate the members of my Cabinet for joining us, Members of
    the Congress. I want to thank Vin Cipolla, Mary
    Bomar. I particularly want to thank the men
    and women who work for the National Park Service.
        Pastor, thank you for your blessing. I
    believe these entertainers didn't disappoint anyone. We're proud you're
    here, and thank you for your beautiful music.
        Christmas is a time of rejoicing and reflection. Each year at this
    time, we rejoice in the proclamation of good news, that in Bethlehem of
    Judea, a Savior was born. And we rejoice in the Christmas promise of
    peace to men of good will. We also reflect on the mystery of Christmas,
    the story of the Almighty, who entered history in the most vulnerable
    form possible, hidden in the weakness of a newborn child. And we reflect
    on the call of our Creator, who by taking this form, reminds us of our
    duty to protect and care for the weak and the vulnerable among us.
        During this Christmas season, millions of Americans will answer this
    call by reaching out a compassionate hand to help brothers and sisters
    in need. We are thankful for these good souls who show the good heart of
    our Nation. We're also thankful for the thousands of Americans who
    answer the call by serving our Nation in uniform. Many will spend this
    Christmas stationed in distant and dangerous lands, far from homes and
    from the families they love. They are never far from our thoughts, and
    they're always in our prayers. America honors their sacrifice and that
    of their families, who also serve our Nation. We're grateful for all
    they do to ensure that we live in the freedom our Creator intended for
    every man, woman, and child on the face of this Earth.
        And now, as an expression of our hope for peace in this Christmas
    season, we're going to light the National Christmas Tree. And we have
    asked two young Americans to join us. Brianna Kinder helps others through her participation in the
    Montgomery County Police Activities League's Kids Care Club. And
    Damarcus Hawkins gives his time as part of
    the Discovery Creek Children's Museum service learning program.

    [[Page 1531]]

        And now if Brianna and Damarcus will join Laura, and if you
    will join me in a 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 Secretary of the Interior Dirk
    Kempthorne, who introduced the President; Vin Cipolla, president and
    chief executive officer, National Park Foundation; and Rev. Roger P.
    Freeman, senior pastor, First Baptist Church, Clarksville, TN.