National Tree-- Washington, D.C.

While in Gettysburg I took a drive downtown to Washington D.C. to check out the National Christmas tree.

In November 1923 the presidents wife gave local schools permission to put up a Christmas tree near the White House. It got named the "National Christmas Tree" by the organizers. At 5 p.m that Christmas Eve President Calvin Coolidge walked to the Ellipse from the White House and pushed the button that lit up the tree.    


After that, there was a National Christmas tree every year.  They almost always used cut trees, but then in 1973 decided to use live trees instead.  In 1978, a tree was planted that grew there and lasted until 2010! But sadly, in February of this year, a terrible wind storm blew that Colorado blue spruce down. I was disappointed I wasn't able to see the blue spruce, but that's okay because the tree was replaced the following month by another live tree that is currently 26 feet, 4 inches, but hopefully will grow to be as big as its predecessor! 26 feet, 4 inches, is still a very large tree!!

Surrounding the National Christmas tree is the Pathway of Peace, where there are smaller trees, one for each US state and territory and each one decorated with ornaments made by residents of that tree's state. 

There's also a fire with a Yule log, a large-scale model train, a Christmas manger and Santa's workshop. The Yule log is always a great place to warm up after you've been walking around the city. The National Christmas Tree and the Pathway of Peace is illuminated each evening from dusk until 11 p.m. through January 1st.

Quack Report:

My quack was fantastic!! The echo was amazing!! It was very fabulous.