Title:
Christmas Pageant of Peace
Date of transmission:
Wednesday 11 December 2000
Channel: NBC4 - Washington
D.C. Only, Webcast via NBC4.com
Charlotte's role in programme:
Featured Performer
Monday
December 11 8:24 PM ET
Clinton
Lights Christmas Tree
By
JESSE J. HOLLAND, Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON
(AP) - President Clinton lit the national Christmas tree for
the last time Monday and, on the eve of his trip to Northern
Ireland, wished for peace for that region.
``I
hope we can finish the business of peace there and help
America to give a gift to the rest of the world,'' Clinton
said before lighting the national tree. The Colorado blue
spruce, transplanted in 1973 from York, Pa., was decorated
with 125,000 lights, accents of gold garland and large
golden balls, with red ribbons.
After
lighting the tree, Clinton left Washington for his third
visit to Ireland and Northern Ireland, where he will spend
the next few days getting a firsthand update on the troubled
peace program he helped negotiate.
This
was the eighth year Clinton lighted the national Christmas
tree and attended the accompanying Pageant of Peace. The
first lady, Sen.-elect Hillary Rodham Clinton, and their
daughter, Chelsea, also attended.
``Tonight,
as we enjoy our last Christmas season in the White House and
the last time I'll have a chance to be here at the lighting
of the Christmas tree, we are profoundly grateful for the
gift you and all the American people have given us, the
privilege to serve these last eight years, to live in this
marvelous old house, and to participate in wonderful
ceremonies like this,'' Clinton said.
Clinton
asked Americans to remember people serving in the U.S.
military who won't be home for Christmas and to celebrate
``the true meaning of the holidays by taking some time to
give to those who need it most.''
Several
thousand people crowded around the Ellipse just south of the
White House to witness the 77th consecutive lighting of the
national Christmas tree and sing holiday carols.
The
U.S. Navy Band accompanied young Welsh soprano Charlotte
Church, country singers Billy Gilman and Kathy Mattea and
the cast of ``Fosse'' in singing holiday songs. TV
personality Al Roker, dressed as Santa Claus, was host for
the evening.
Clinton
and his family sat behind bulletproof glass during the
outdoor event. |
