Bush Honors Troops in Lighting of Tree

For the fifth year in a row, President Bush dedicated the lighting of the national Christmas tree to U.S. troops risking their lives overseas. The live 40-foot Colorado blue spruce stands on the Ellipse just south of the White House.

“We ask for God to watch over our men and women in uniform who are serving overseas. Their families miss them, hold a seat open for them and pray for their safe return,” Bush said. “Many of them are serving in distant lands tonight, but they are close to our hearts.”