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AUGUSTA — Hand-crafted ornaments designed by retired educators from around the state of Maine will adorn one of 56 trees in President’s Park near the White House in Washington, D.C. as part of the 95th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Dec. 1 through Jan. 1.
Each tree represents a U.S. state, territory or the District of Columbia.
“It is an honor for our retired educators to have the opportunity to decorate our home tree and help the nation celebrate the holidays in one of our most recognizable national parks. Our ornaments depict life and artifacts in the state of Maine and are the creations of many artists,” said Crystal Ward of Lewiston, active Maine Education Association retired member and coordinator of the annual Christmas tree ornament project.
Presented by the National Park Service and National Park Foundation, the National Christmas Tree Lighting is one of America’s oldest holiday traditions. The first National Christmas Tree lighting took place Christmas Eve, 1923, when President Calvin Coolidge lit the lights on a Christmas tree in front of 3,000 spectators on the Ellipse. Since then, each succeeding president has carried on the tradition.
For more event information and updates, visit www.thenationaltree.org. Through a partnership with the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks, the Hallmark Channel will broadcast the National Christmas Tree Lighting Dec. 5.
