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Contact: David Olson, (202) 861-0768 (cell) |
HOLIDAY TREE TO ARRIVE AT U.S.
CAPITOL FROM IDAHO
WASHINGTON, November 26, 2003 - 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 Engelmman 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
http://www.capitolholidaytree2003.org/
and
http://www.aoc.gov/cc/grounds/hol_trees/holiday_trees.htm. |
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