Hundreds turn out for National Christmas Tree lighting despite recent violence

Hundreds of spectators attended last night’s National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony outside the White House, in Washington, D.C. The annual ceremony has taken place in the nation’s capital for over 100 years. 

President Trump also took time during the event to acknowledge the shooting of two National Guard soldiers the day before Thanksgiving. “I want to pay my highest respects to those two great guardsmen, you know who I’m talking about,” Trump said. 

“They paid, in one case, the ultimate, and the other, Andrew, is getting better. Sarah, unfortunately, is watching from a high, watching from heaven,” he said, referring to Andrew Wolfe, and Sarah Beckstrom.

The National Guard continues to be in the District as the Trump administration continues to challenge orders for their removal in court.

Despite the news of the shooting, guests still attended from around the country. “I think this part of D.C. especially, is pretty secure,” said Michael Armitage, a 911 director and former mayor of Charlotte, Michigan. “You know, just being kind of in the center of all the national monuments and buildings. I knew they’d have increased police presence.”

Armitage attended the ceremony with his wife, Colleen, and their two children. The two said the trip was worth the short planning window afforded by the ticket lottery. “You only get a few weeks to make your plans,” she said. 

Both said that they were not worried about safety during the visit as well. “We constantly see the police present, we feel secure and safe. We’ve always kinda felt that every time we come to D.C.,” Colleen Armitage said.

The event features a ticket lottery for a chance to attend the festivities, which this year included performances from the Beach Boys, Christian singer Matthew West, and country artists Gabby Barrett, Jon Pardi, and Alana Springsteen, among others. 

Annette Vasquez, a secretary from Artesia, New Mexico, also attended the ceremony with her daughter, Felicity, and staff from Central Elementary in Artesia. Felicity’s class was chosen to make ornaments for the New Mexico tree. 

“We made our way this way from New Mexico, to watch and see it. We’ll come tomorrow and see the trees,” Annette Vasquez said. She also said that safety was not an issue in the decision to attend. 

“That didn’t even cross my mind,”  she said. “We feel very safe. It was amazing. I would come back. ”

The display features one national, and 59 additional trees to represent each of the states and territories. First Lady Melania Trump, also in attendance, lit the tree at last night’s ceremony. 

The president also took the opportunity to praise the peace deals he has helped broker, and offered a rosy view of his accomplishments this year in office. 

“On this holiday season, our border is secure. Our spirit is restored,” he said. “Our economy is thriving. Inflation has stopped. Our nation is strong, and America is back, bigger and better, stronger, better than ever before.”