U.S. Capitol Christmas tree all aglow

WASHINGTON - On the West lawn of the U.S. Capitol Tuesday, a 67-foot Englemann spruce from Western Wyoming took up new residence as the Capitol Christmas Tree.

The tree, which came from the Bridger-Teton National Forest, was inserted into a five-foot hole two weeks ago after being deliver to Washington by Dahlonega trucker Jeff Underwood. (See earlier stories.)

As part of the continuing commitment to save energy, strands of low-power LED lights were used to decorate the entire tree. In addition, schoolchildren from Wyoming made some 5000 ornaments reflecting the theme of Wyoming-Forever West to decorate the tree.

Senator Mike Enzi, (R-Wyo.), says all residents of Wyoming are proud this year's Capitol Christmas Tree came from the Cowboy State. The All City Children's Chorus from Cheyenne also sang during the tree-lighting ceremony.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi - who threw the switch to light the tree - thanked the residents of Wyoming for providing this year's tree. (See link below for video of the lighting.)