Clinton Lights National Christmas Tree, Cites Spirit of Giving
President Clinton pressed the button to light the sparkling, multicolored national Christmas tree Thursday, dedicating it to peace and love and the young people of the world.
The 40-foot live Christmas tree on the Ellipse south of the White House has an electronically changing pattern of design and lights, flashing from white to green to red.
Clinton said the tree represents “a spirit of sharing and giving, of gathering with family and friends and coming together as one community.”
“At Christmas and throughout the year, the greatest gift we can give our children is the gift of peace,” Clinton said.
Entertaining the audience were singer Patti LaBelle, the red-coated Childrens’ Choir from Roanoke, Va., the band Mannheim Steamroller and dancers from the Washington Ballet.
Television weatherman Willard Scott presided, celebrating his 25th year as the pageant’s Santa Claus.
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