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“[A]s The People’s Tree illuminates our nation’s capital this month, may it serve as a reminder to all Americans that there is always light and hope – especially during this special season.”
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) delivered remarks at the Capitol Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. This year, the Capitol Christmas Tree, Silver Belle, was sourced from Nevada, the first time the Silver State has received this honor.
Every year since 1970, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has selected a Christmas tree from an American national forest to display at the United States Capitol Building. This year, the Capitol Christmas Tree came from the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Silver Belle, a 53-foot-tall red fir, was harvested in late October and traveled 3,800 miles across the country spreading the Silver State’s holiday cheer before arriving in Washington, D.C., on November 21st. This year, the tree’s theme is “Starry Skies to Neon Lights: Spirit of the Silver State.” It is decorated with thousands of ornaments made by Nevadans.
Below are her remarks as prepared for delivery:
I’m honored to be here celebrating the first-ever Capitol Christmas Tree – “The People’s Tree” – from the great state of Nevada! It’s about time!
I have to start by thanking the men and women of the U.S. Forest Service from Nevada for making sure Silver Belle arrived here safely, and for the often-thankless work they do to protect our forests.
And this tree isn’t the only one who’s traveled a long way to be here; thank you to Virginia City’s own Grady Armstrong for joining us to bring the light to our holiday season!
This year’s People’s Tree is beautifully decorated with 23,000 unique ornaments, many of them provided by Nevadans throughout the state.
To get to Washington, D.C., Silver Belle traveled all throughout the Silver State and then across the country. This tree has been on a real journey.
But that journey didn’t just start when it was selected as our Capitol Christmas Tree.
Silver Belle comes to us from the largest national forest in the lower 48 states, Nevada’s Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.
Last year, a patch of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest was the site of the Davis wildfire, which ravaged 5,800 acres of land over 18 days before our incredible firefighters contained it. Firefighters like Grady’s dad, Brent! Thank you for keeping our communities safe, Brent.
The Davis Fire destroyed homes and devastated local families, leaving behind an ugly burn scar. But over a year later, the community is stronger than ever. Students are planting new trees in the forest.
And Silver Belle, standing tall in front of our country today, is a symbol of resilience and perseverance.
I can’t think of a better story to represent the American spirit. In times of hardship and suffering, we find a way to forge ahead and prevail. That is the story of our country. And as The People’s Tree illuminates our nation’s capital this month, may it serve as a reminder to all Americans that there is always light and hope – especially during this special season.
Merry Christmas!
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