White House, US Capitol Christmas Trees Arrive In D.C.

WASHINGTON — A 60-foot tree chopped down at a national park in New Mexico has completed its journey to Washington, D.C., and was put in place Monday in front of the U.S. Capitol. Meanwhile, the White House got their tree delivered on the same day.

The huge Capitol tree was brought into D.C. on a flatbed truck after touring several other locations in the United States.

A large crane was used to lift it into place Monday morning in front of the Capitol.

The tree was cut down earlier this month in Red River, N.M., in Carson National Forest.

It toured New Mexico before heading out on Nov. 24 for Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.

Workers had to use two cranes to lift the tree after its trunk was severed with a chain saw. The tree was then placed on a flatbed trailer.

In addition to New Mexico, the tree made stops in Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia.

One national forest is chosen each year to provide the Capitol tree. This year, it was Carson National Forest.

"Hundreds of spectators and dignitaries came out to the site for a cutting ceremony that included a blessing from a native elder as well as an address from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham," the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree project said on its Faceobok page. "Known as the People's Tree, this towering evergreen will make a journey of more than 1,500 miles to Washington, D.C., where it will grace the mall of the United States Capitol Building."

The tradition of "The People's Tree" started in 1964, when U.S. House Speaker John W. McCormack (D-MA) had a live Christmas tree placed on the Capitol lawn. The tree lived for three years before it died.

"In 1970, the Capitol Architect asked the U.S. Forest Service to provide a Christmas tree," the project's website states. "Since then, a different national forest has been chosen each year to provide 'The People’s Tree.' This national forest also works with state forests to provide companion trees that are smaller Christmas trees for offices in Washington, D.C."

The Capitol tree is different from the White House tree, also scheduled to go up Monday. At less than 20 feet, it is not nearly as tall as the Capitol tree. It comes from a farm in Pennsylvania.

First Lady Melania Trump was on hand to accept delivery of the tree. Members of the U.S. Marine Band played "O Christmas Tree" as horses Cash and Ben pulled a carriage with the 18.5-foot Douglas fir tree. It will be erected in the White House Blue Room.

Believe it or not, there will be a third Christmas tree event in D.C. next week. The 2019 National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony by the National Park Service will take place on the Ellipse in front of the White House on the evening of Dec. 5. This will be the 97th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting, a tradition started by President Coolidge in 1923.