SALEM —Hillsboro 4th grader, Brigette Harrington, joined U.S. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and the Oregon Congressional delegation today to light the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree — a gift to the American people from Oregon’s Willamette National Forest. The 80-foot noble fir will serve as “the People’s Tree” on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building throughout this year’s holiday season.
This is the second time since the tradition began in 1964 that Oregon was chosen to provide the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree—which is the first of its species to be picked. The Noble Fir tree traveled the Oregon Trail in reverse for more than 3,000 miles to arrive in Washington, D.C. for Christmas, and is adorned with thousands of ornaments handcrafted by Oregonians.
More than 1,200 fourth grade students from across Oregon submitted essays about why the love Oregon’s outdoors for the chance to win the ambassador role of “tree lighter.” Harrington found out she would be traveling to D.C. when Governor Kate Brown surprised her at school in October to let her know that she wrote the winning essay.
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will remain displayed in D.C. throughout the holidays.
To read more stories of amazing Oregonians, check out our ‘Amazing Oregonians‘ section!
