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Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Honors Military Families for Their Sacrifices

Posted on: Tuesday, 9 December 2008, 11:00 CST

'Greener' Christmas Tree Features Energy-Saving LED Lights

HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Capitol Rotunda glowed much brighter today as children of Pennsylvania National Guard members helped Governor Edward G. Rendell light a more energy-efficient Christmas tree.

Approximately 80 family members and 25 children of members of various Pennsylvania National Guard units were the guests of honor at the annual ceremony. The children helped the Governor push the button to light the tree, which - for the first time - uses light-emitting-diode, or LED, lights.

"Again this year, we show our gratitude to the men and women who are spending this Christmas serving here and abroad in our nation's military," said Governor Rendell, who also asked for a moment of silence to honor of the men and women who have sacrificed their lives in order to protect America's freedoms. "This year, we especially want to honor the families of military service men and women -- most importantly, the children -- because of the many sacrifices they, too, have made over the years.

"Not having your loved ones around during the holidays is difficult enough, but I'm sure that the hardship of not having your Mom or Dad around is especially hard during the holiday season," Governor Rendell said.

Before the ceremony concluded, the children were treated to a surprise visit by Santa, who read, "Twas The Night Before Christmas" to the crowd.

The Cumberland Valley High School Vocal Ensemble, directed by Carol Anderson, sang carols. Speakers included James P. Creedon, secretary of Pennsylvania's Department of General Services; Brigadier General Randall Marchi of the Pennsylvania National Guard; Rev. Brenda Alton, pastor of Kingdom Embassy in Harrisburg; and Chris Botek, co-owner of Crystal Spring Tree Farm and representative of Pennsylvania's Christmas Tree Growers Association.

For the first time, this year's tree - a 21-foot Douglas Fir from Crystal Spring Tree Farm in Carbon County - is decorated with 600 energy-saving LED lights donated by PPL Electric Utilities. The C-7 LED lights use about 90 percent less energy than traditional bulbs.

The LEDs are expected to reduce the cost of lighting the Rotunda tree 96 percent over last year's costs. Officials estimate operating the energy-saving lights will cost about $12--or just more than three cents per hour--during the duration of the holiday season. Last year's energy bill for the Rotunda tree, which used standard mini-lights, was about $334.

The tree will be lit from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Wednesday, Jan. 7.

The tree also features more than 300 handmade ornaments that were donated by the members of more than 50 senior centers through the coordination of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit www.governor.state.pa.us.

CONTACT: Chuck Ardo 717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

Source: PR Newswire

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