[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 49 (Monday, December 9, 2002)]
[Pages 2133-2134]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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.
    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.

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