Saturday, January 17, 2009

National Christmas Tree on the Mall


December 29, 2008


We went down to the National Mall the evening of the 29th to see the National Christmas Tree, the Washington Monument and White House. The tree is located in front of the White House on the Ellipse. Since 1923, the United States has held a tradition of lighting a National Christmas Tree in Washington, DC. In 1978, a live 40-foot Colorado blue spruce was transplanted from York, Pennsylvania to its present site on the Ellipse, the grassy area south of the White House. In 1954, a "Pathway of Peace," 56 smaller, decorated trees representing all 50 states, five territories, and the District of Columbia were planted surrounding the National Christmas Tree. Each year sponsoring organizations from each state provide tree decorations that are encased in a protective plastic globe to shield it from the weather.

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