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 The Annual Christmas Pageant of Peace
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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 National Christmas
Tree was lit at the conclusion of a one-hour musical program
celebrating the opening of the Christmas Pageant of Peace on
Wednesday, December 8, 1999. A star-studded pageantry marked
the occasion, including Las Vegas showman Wayne Newton, opera
singer Renee Flemming, performers from the cast of "Chicago",
the United States Marine Band, and of course, Santa Claus. A
Christmas message delivered by President Clinton preceded a "three,
two, one, go" as the tree was lit accompanied by a warm
cheer from the crowd. A sing-a-long of Christmas carols followed
to conclude the event.
The Christmas Pageant of
Peace will run from December 8 through January 2. 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. To signify the beginning of the new Millennium,
at midnight on New Year's Eve the National Christmas Tree will
switch from multi-colored lights into a mass of white lights
with accents of red vertical garlands and a blue star. Let's
hope our National Christmas Tree is Y2K compliant! The tree will
then remain lit until 1 a.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
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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 21st, 27th and January
4th 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. |
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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
politics aside, this is one event which highlights the spirit
of American brotherhood, and with plenty of hot chocolate and
coffee to go around. |
...And That's All Folks! |
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