For 82 years, the lighting of America’s National Christmas Tree has served as a time-honored event to usher in the holiday season.  This year, President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush upheld the tradition of lighting the 40-foot Colorado blue spruce and the 56 smaller trees, which represent each of the states, territories and the District of Columbia, during the opening ceremonies of the 2005 Christmas Pageant of Peace on December 1st.  

“It is always exciting to see something associated with Guam in the nation’s capital,” said Bordallo.  “More importantly, many people will also get to share in the beauty of our island through the ornaments provided this year.”

Volunteers from every state and territory provided tree ornaments that symbolize the culture and history of their community.  The Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency supplied the ornaments that were used to decorate Guam’s tree.                                                                          

“The ornaments provided for Guam’s Christmas tree are wonderful,” Bordallo stated.  “I commend the Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency—as well as all the artists involved—for the hard work and dedication that resulted in such a beautiful tree.”

President Bush dedicated this year’s lighting ceremony to U.S. troops.  This year’s ceremony included performances by country western star Ricky Skaggs, author and poet Maya Angelou, gospel singer CeCe Winans, and the United States Navy Band among others.  Pro Football Hall of Fame legend Merlin Olsen served as Santa Claus.  Thousands of visitors are expected to view the trees nightly through January 1, 2006.

For further information about the 2005 Christmas Pageant of Peace, visit www.pageantofpeace.org.