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WASHINGTON — The 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is a 63-foot Norway spruce from the Greenbrier Ranger District in the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. Helping Speaker Johnson with honor of lighting this year’s tree was 9-year-old Ethan Reese from Randolph County, West Virginia. Architect of the Capitol Mr. Jim Kaufman served as master of ceremonies.
Speaker Johnson delivered the following remarks at the ceremony:
“Welcome to the Capitol. Thank you to everyone, including all our colleagues, for joining us here tonight. I’ll tell you what – you West Virginians are tough folks, it’s cold out here. I’m from Louisiana where we wear shorts and T-shirts in December, so rest assured I will try my hardest to keep this brief and get us all back inside.
“I want to give a special thank you to the West Virginia delegation — Senator Manchin and Senator Capito, and Representative Mooney and Representative Miller — for being here. Thank you for sharing a small piece of your state’s abundant beauty with us in Washington.
“I also want to thank Chief Randy Moore with the US forest service, Jim Kaufmann and the staff of the Architect of the Capitol, and our wonderful drivers — Jesus Davila, Tim Dean, Gina Jones, and Steve Jones — for safely shepherding this magnificent Norway Spruce from the Monongahela National Forest, across the country, and here to the Capitol.
“You know, I’ve only been Speaker for a month, and daily, I’ve stood in awe of the staff and administration that keeps not just the lights on here at the Capitol but maintains the beauty and integrity of this institution. In every capacity, we are public servants and stewards of the American people. And this tree represents so much of what makes America great.
“It was cultivated and harvested from a national forest, set forth for viewing in an array of communities across the country, and now will be displayed for all of America to see in front of the People’s House.
“The tree is a beautiful tapestry, adorned with handmade ornaments from the Shawnee tribe and communities across West Virginia. It was accompanied by hundreds of essays, including the winning essay from Ethan Reese, who I am so excited to introduce to you in just a moment. This tree is truly “The People’s Tree.”
“It of course represents a great American tradition, but it also signifies the beginning of the season of Christmas and the birth of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His birth is the “reason for the season,” and amid all the Christmas festivities, we cannot lose sight of that fact.
“This Christmas, let us be resolute in our gratitude, joyful at the miracle of Jesus’ birth and resurrection, and mindful of the assurance that God’s love will bring you peace and hope during this most joyous season.
“On behalf of my wife Kelly, our family, all the support staff and volunteers who made this happen, and the People’s House, we wish you all of you a very Merry Christmas.”
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