President Barack Obama jumpstarted the holiday season Thursday, lighting the National Christmas Tree but also appealing to Americans to “come together as brothers and sisters” one day after 14 people were shot to death in Southern California.
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A crowd gathers to watch the Anderson Tree Lighting ceremony.
The First Family will officially light the National Christmas Tree during the 2015 National Christmas Tree Lighting, presented by the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks. DeVolld compared tinsel to Alaskan glaciers and the lights of the tree to the northern lights.
“We’re honored to have the opportunity to give back to our community this year by working with Trees for Troops to help give military families the spirit of a traditional Christmas”, says Big Red’s SVP of Marketing Thomas Oh. But this year, after the removal of the tree, a new, artificial tree has been purchased and organizers couldn’t be happier about it.
While the tree itself is different, the rest of the event will be business as usual.
Spectators were urged to use mass transit to reach the event, and street closings were expected to begin around 3 p.m. on 48th, 49th, 50th and 51st Sts. between Fifth and Sixth Aves. For broadcast times, check local listings or the National Christmas Tree Lighting website.
Due to security concerns, visitors to the tree lighting are banned from bringing umbrellas, backpacks and large bags into the area around the tree, the NYPD announced. Every restaurant is packed and many operate on a wait throughout the evening.
“So many people think they grow like this, perfectly shaped, in five years”, he said.
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Annual KUEZ Holiday Tree-Lighting Festival, tonight from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. outside Town Hall, 402 Kearny Ave. One soldier told us he’s looking forward to continuing an old family tradition.
