Orrin Hatch: “I join the millions of Americans whose holidays were made just a little brighter this year by the sight of the…”

“I join the millions of Americans whose holidays were made just a little brighter this year by the sight of the magnificent 70-foot Engleman Spruce from Utah's Manti-LaSalle National Forest. I speak not only of those fortunate enough to see the tree in Washington, but of others who saw this giant tree of the great American west pass through their cities and towns en route to Washington. Like the relay that brought the Olympic flame to Atlanta, the journey for Utah's centennial Christmas tree required no less in the way of planning and cooperation. Many individuals and organizations contributed to this project. In a true holiday spirit, Mack trucks, which has a subsidiary in Pleasant Grove, UT, generously transported this special tree, along with 40 smaller trees to be displayed at other sites in the Nation's Capital, the 2,000 miles to Washington. Stops along the way included Salt Lake City, UT; Cheyenne, WY; Spearfish, Rapid City, Pierre, and Sioux Falls, SD; LaCrosse, WI; South Bend, IN; Pittsburgh and Allentown, PA; and Hagerstown, MD. At each stop, people came out to see this great symbol of the season and to spread holiday cheer and good will. At its final destination, in Washington, on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol, the tree was appropriately welcomed with holiday carols sung by the Salt Lake Symphonic Choir and the Congressional Chorus. Speaker Gingrich's two nieces threw the switch that illuminated this spectacular Christmas tree.”