“This tree is Wyoming’s Christmas gift to America.”

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), released the following statement about tonight’s lighting ceremony for the 2010 U.S. Capitol Christmas tree:

“People around the Cowboy State say we need more Wyoming in Washington.  In Washington, folks can always use a reminder of Wyoming values – honesty, integrity, independence, and a strong work ethic.  For the next four weeks, Washington will have a beautifully lit symbol of our state. This tree is Wyoming’s Christmas gift to America.  

“This tree is called ‘The People’s Tree’ for a reason.  It was selected, decorated, and privately funded by the people of Wyoming.  Thousands of creative and committed residents of all ages made this project a shining success.”

Background:

This is the first year that Wyoming has hosted the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree.  In 2007, at the request of Senator Barrasso, the United States Forest Service (USFS) selected Wyoming to host the tree in 2010.  The 2010 tree is a 67-foot Engelmann spruce from the Bridger-Teton National Forest.  

Daniel Sitter, a 6th grader from Lincoln County, WY also participated in the lighting ceremony tonight. Daniel’s name was drawn from more than 1000 Wyoming students who provided an ornament for the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree to travel to Washington, DC to participate in the ceremony.  

Entertainment was provided by Cheyenne’s “All City Children’s Chorus.”  These 66 singers from 5th to 9th grade entertained the large gathering with a medley of holiday carols.

The Capitol Christmas Tree has been a tradition at the U.S. Capitol since 1964. The tree will be lit from night fall until 11 p.m. each evening through January 1, 2011.

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