[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 49 (Monday, December 11, 2006)]
[Pages 2140-2141]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 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

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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.