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 The Annual Christmas Pageant of Peace ...
kicked-off with the lighting of the National Christmas Tree by the
President of the United States on the Ellipse just across from the
White House. The National Christmas Tree, as well as US state and
territory trees were officially illuminated at the ceremony, and
will remain open to the public during the month-long event.
The 125,000 light, 40 foot high
National Christmas Tree was lit at the conclusion of a one-hour
musical program celebrating the opening of the Christmas Pageant
of Peace on Monday, December 11, 2000. A star-studded pageantry
marked the occasion in a sing-a-long of Christmas carols, including
Welsh soprano Charlette Church, country music stars Billy Gilman
and Kathy Mattea, the cast of Fossee, the United States Marine
Band, the West Tennessee Youth Chorus, and of course TV personality
Al Roker as Santa Claus. A Christmas message was delivered by President
Clinton who was accompanied by first lady Hillary and daughter Chelsea.
The Christmas Pageant of Peace
will run from December 11 through January 1, 2001. The site will
be open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and the trees will be lit from
sunset to 11 p.m.
 The first National Christmas Tree event
started in 1913 with President Woodrow Wilson who first lit
the tree at the Capitol with the intent that it be recognized
as a national event. The occasion elaborately included 1,000
singers along with the U.S. Marine Band performing before an
audience of 20,000 spectators. In 1954 the Christmas Pageant
of Peace Inc. was organized and the scope of the National Community
Christmas Tree Celebration was broadened to emphasize the desire
for peace embodied in the spirit and meaning of Christmas. The
Pageant of Peace was therefore created and President Dwight
D. Eisenhower lit the first National Christmas Tree for the
Pageant of Peace in 1954. |
 The Pageant of Peace main focus of attraction
is the National Christmas Tree, a living 40 foot Colorado Blue
Spruce planted on October 20, 1978. Garden-sized model railroad
displays surround the tree. The Pathway
of Peace consists
of a boardwalk which strolls adjacent to 56 living trees, arranged alphabetically, each representing
one of 50 states, 5 territories and the District of Columbia.
These trees will be transplanted throughout the DC metropolitan
area following the Pageant. |
 Along the Pathway of Peace boardwalk one
encounters the Yule Log, Nativity scene and concert stage, each
providing a snapshot of Christmas heritage known throughout
America. The burning of the Yule log, originally part of a mythical
festivity, was adopted by the English as part of the Christmas
Eve festivities. It's a great place to stop and get warm. If
you're lucky you might even catch them dropping a log or two
on the fire with the forklift, it emits great showers of sparks! |
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 Located at the halfway point along the
Pageant boardwalk is the Nativity scene. The Nativity represents
the origins of Christmas with the celebrated birth date of
Christ. The manger scene depicts Mary and Joseph, the baby
Jesus, the three kings bearing gifts, an angel (outside right)
along side with the animals. Up until recently one could see
and pet live reindeer at the display. It was a big attraction
for kids and adults alike. Rumor is, the budget cuts had a
part to play.
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 Concert
activities at the concert stage are held nightly. These generally
include young performers from various area schools, dance groups,
bands and choruses, and other select performers. It's a great
time for everyone, especially if it's your child that's on stage.
A music
program of events can be obtained from the National Park Service. |
 Directly across from the Pageant of Peace ...
stands the south entrance to the White House. If you look closely
you can see the President's Christmas tree on the second floor
through the center window. On December 27th, 28th and 29th from
5-7 p.m. the White House will conduct Christmas Candlelight
Tours. Tickets are not required, but lines may be long so dress
warmly. |
| The Pageant of Peace, a serene
atmosphere of lights and yule-tide spirit, it's a "must
see" for those visiting the Nation's Capitol this holiday
season. Putting election year politics aside, this is one event
which unites Americans in a spirit of brotherhood, and with
plenty of hot chocolate and coffee to go around. |
...And That's All
Folks! |
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