Pelosi lights 2020 U.S. Capitol Christmas tree

WASHINGTON (UPI) — The Christmas tree at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., was lit during a ceremony on Wednesday evening.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi lit the 55-foot tall, 25-foot wide Engelmann spruce from Colorado as she spoke alongside the architect of the Capitol, U.S. Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen, and members of the Colorado congressional delegation.

“For over five decades Americans have come together, and especially in difficult times, to find joy and seek solace in what was called ‘The People’s Tree,'” said Pelosi. “Now tonight, we gather once more before this symbol of peace and hope to give thanks for the blessings bestowed upon our great nation.”

Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) said this was the fourth time in the history of the Capitol Christmas tree that Colorado had provided the tree.

“It is so meaningful to everyone in Colorado,” she said. “And if you can get close enough to the tree you can see that there are ornaments all over the tree from all aspects of life in Colorado.”

The tree’s journey to Capitol Hill began on Nov. 6 when it was harvested from the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre National Forest before traveling to 10 communities for a series of outdoor festivities, limited by social distancing requirements due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Reporting by Daniel Uria

United Press International

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