Holiday Tree to arrive at U.S. Capitol from Idaho
Press Office
Washington,
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U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and the State of Idaho will proudly present the annual Capitol Holiday Tree to the nation, which will grace the lawn of the U.S. Capitol throughout the holiday season. This year's tree is from the Emmett Ranger District, Boise National Forest, Idaho.
WHAT: A ceremony presenting the Capitol Holiday Tree, a 69-foot, 75-year-old Engelmann Spruce, to U.S. Capitol Architect Alan Hantman. After the presentation, the tree will be lifted from a decorated semi-trailer and set in a special tree stand on the west lawn of the Capitol. The gift marks a 40-year tradition in providing the “Peoples’ Tree,” and the first time the tree has come from Idaho.
WHO: A Forest Service representative will officially present the tree to Hantman.
WHEN: Monday, Dec. 1, 2003, 10 a.m. EST
WHERE: The tree will arrive on First Street by truck, in front of the west lawn of the Capitol and across the street from the Ulysses S. Grant memorial.
HOW: Reporters in and around the Washington area are welcome to attend the tree arrival ceremony. (B-roll of the tree being cut in Idaho will be available to reporters.)
DETAILS: The shapely and even-branched tree comes with the theme “From Idaho’s Heart to America’s Home.” It will have traveled about 4,700 miles through 10 states on a 23-day journey that included celebrations in 53 Idaho communities and 8 others across the nation. The tree is being transported on an enclosed trailer, symbolizing a 21st Century covered wagon and is being pulled by a log truck donated for the special occasion. The 6,000 ornaments that will adorn the tree were proudly crafted by Idahoans to reflect the region’s culture and natural resources. For more information, visit