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Colorado Pride on Display with U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
Dec 4, 2012 Issues: Energy Environment and Public Lands
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) joined Senators Mark Udall (CO) and Michael Bennet (CO), and Speaker John Boehner in lighting the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. The 73 foot Engelmann Spruce is from the White River National Forest, near Meeker, in Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District.
“It’s a great honor for Coloradans to showcase our state’s natural beauty by giving the gift of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree—the People’s Tree—to our nation. This tree, which comes from the White River National Forest in my district, is one of many that make Colorado one of the most beautiful places in the world,” Tipton said.
Tipton thanked members of the Ute Tribe who attended the ceremony, and acknowledged the important contributions that the Northern, Southern and Ute Mountain Ute Tribes continue to make to the great state of Colorado. Tipton also spoke about the impact that wildfire had on Colorado this past year, the generosity of Coloradans, and the need to return forests to a healthy natural state to prevent future fires.
Download the high resolution photo here.
At the ceremony the U.S. Air Force band played Christmas carols, and Lyndsay Lawler from Nashville, TN performed “Standing Tall” the official anthem of the 2012 Capitol Christmas Tree. The anthem was chosen from more than 300 entries. Listen to the anthem here.
The tree traveled across the country on a truck and trailer driven by former U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (CO) along with smaller companion trees for Colorado’s Congressional offices. The trees are adorned with nearly 5000 ornaments handmade by Coloradans and embodying the theme ‘Celebrating Our Great Outdoors.’
