The tree came from the White River National Forest, near Meeker, Colorado.  It spent several weeks on the road visiting communities and military bases across the country arriving at the Capitol shortly after Thanksgiving.

The Capitol Christmas Tree traveled with ‘companion’ trees and more than 5,000 handmade ornaments. Coloradans were invited to create ornaments depicting this year’s theme ‘Celebrating Our Great Outdoors.’

"This is Colorado's gift to the nation. Colorado is blessed with some of America's most beautiful forests and it is a joy to share that with our fellow Americans." -- Doug Lamborn (CO-05)

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) with Ryan Shuster of Colorado Springs at the Capitol Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. Shuster, a senior at Discovery Canyon Campus School, was selected to help light the tree.

Youth age 5-19 who submited ornaments could enter to win a trip to Washington, D.C. to light the tree with Speaker Boehner at today's ceremony. Ryan Shuster, a 17-year old Eagle Scout from Colorado Springs was selected for the honor.

The Capitol Christmas Tree will be lit nightly from dusk to 11:00 pm throughout the holiday season.

Note: This is the third time Colorado has been honored to present a Christmas tree to the nation's capitol. In 1990, the Capitol Christmas Tree came from Routt National Forest. In 2000, it came from Pike National Forest.

# # #