THE
PRESIDENT: Thank you all very much. Welcome to the Christmas Pageant of
Peace. Laura and I are so honored to join you all. The lighting of the
National Christmas tree is one of the great traditions in our Nation's
Capital. Each year, we gather here to celebrate the season of hope and
joy -- and to remember the story of one humble life that lifted the
sights of humanity.
Santa, thanks for coming. (Laughter.) Glad you made it. I know
you've got a lot of commitments this time of year. By the way, we have a
lot of chimneys at the White House -- (laughter) -- if you're looking
for something to do. I appreciate all our entertainers. Thanks for being
here. This is a fantastic evening.
I want to thank Peter Nostrand, who is the Chairman of the Christmas
Pageant of Peace, and John Betchkal, all the members of the board. I
appreciate Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton, other members of my
Cabinet who are here. I appreciate the members of Congress who have
come.
I particularly want to give a special thanks to the National Parks
Service Director Fran Mainella and all the good folks who work for the
National Parks Service. (Applause.) Reverend Martin, thank you very much
as well.
Christmas is a time to rejoice, and to give thanks for the blessings
of the season and for the blessings that surround us every day of the
year. We also remember that we have a responsibility to help those in
need. America is a compassionate and generous land. And acts of kindness
toward others fulfill the spirit of the season.
As we approach Christmas in this time of war, we pray for freedom,
and justice, and peace on Earth. In his Christmas Eve address to the
nation in 1941, Franklin Roosevelt said that "Against enemies who preach
the principles of hate and practice them, we set our faith in human
love, and in God's care for us and all men everywhere." We ask for God
to watch over our men and women in uniform who are serving
overseas.Their families miss them -- hold a seat open for them -- and
pray for their safe return. America's military men and women stand for
freedom -- and they serve the cause of peace. Many of them are serving
in distant lands tonight, but they are close to our hearts.
As an expression of our hope for peace and happiness in this
Christmas season, we light the national Christmas tree. Jackie, Melissa,
and Jenna Kantor of Bethesda are with us here. They started "Project
Backpack," to help give children displaced by Hurricane Katrina new
backpacks filled with books, and toys and school supplies. These girls
are an example of the compassion that is found in the hearts and souls
of Americans everywhere, and they have shown how much good can be done
when we reach out to help a neighbor in need. And so Laura and I now
invite them to join us to turn on the lights.
And would you help turn on these lights, as well, by counting down. Five
... Four ... Three ... Two ... One. (Applause.)