|
 Printer-Friendly Version
Remarks Prepared for Delivery by
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao
DOL Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
Frances Perkins Building
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Thank you, Zoe, [Zoe Fearon, Program Specialist, OASAM Business Operations Center], for that kind introduction.
Let's also give a big thanks to Bennet Gamble and the Blacks in Government Gospel Choir for those lovely carols. Don't they sound wonderful?
And a special thank to the DOL Recreation Association for setting up and decorating this beautiful tree. I know that Mr. Brisco [James Brisco, President of the Recreation Association] was again the coordinator of this effort and I want to take this opportunity to wish him a speedy recovery and very happy holidays.
Finally, thanks also to David Pishioneri from OASAM. He plays a very important role in this program and he'll join us a bit later.
As Secretary of Labor, I have the privilege of participating in a lot of special events, but this is one of my favorite. Today, we are kicking off the holiday season by lighting our Christmas tree and the Menorah. And here to help us are the children of the Department of Labor's Child Development Center.
At this time, I would like to ask the Director of the Center, Jennifer Beatty, to join me.
Thank you, Jennifer, for the great work that you and your staff do for the DOL Day Care children. Your expert care provides a fun and safe environment where the children can play and learn. Knowing that we have such capable staff who care about the children is a great comfort to the many parents who work here.
This year, as every year, it is my very special pleasure to present you with some new books for the children's library.
Reading is the foundation of knowledge and development, and as you all know, the President and First Lady are passionate advocates of reading to young children. As a teacher and librarian, the First Lady has encouraged us to read to children early and often.
So now let me present to you these new selections for the children — "A Wish to be a Christmas Tree"; "Santa's Favorite Story"; "The Borrowed Hanukkah Latkes"; "Chanukah Lights Everywhere"; and "My First Kwanzaa Book."
Now, who is going to help me light the tree? Is everyone ready? Here we go.
Thank you for your help — you did a great job!
Now, Noah Grabel, will you come with me to light the Menorah?
Great! Thanks, Noah!
What is that noise? It sounds like sleigh bells.
Look everyone! It's Santa Claus.
This concludes our ceremony. Thank you for coming. Happy Holidays!
# # #
| 
