A Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting

Gov. Phil Bredesen greeted Tennesseans at the Capitol Christmas tree lighting ceremony Dec. 1, saying, "I'm sure that when this tree was planted no one expected it would grace the steps of the Capitol for all Tennesseans to enjoy.  For me it is a great reminder that all great things start small and one small  positive step and that it is within the power of each of us to take that step whatever it may be.  You never know what might grow or what might come of what you plant.

"In my faith the Christmas tree started as a tribute to the birth of Jesus as a symbol of the light that cut through the darkness when man and (inaudible) connected.  It has also come to represent the spirit of the season full of good will and (inaudible) and warmth that people of all faiths celebrate at this time of the year.  Throughout this holiday season this tree will stand as a reminder of all of these things.

"In this season of generosity and giving I hope it will inspire us to be thankful for all we have and inspire us to look for new ways to serve our families our neighbors our state and our country no matter how large or small. "

 Thanking Mr. and Mrs. Buddy Williams for donating the Blue Spruce Capitol Christmas Tree, the Governor said, "In the truest spirt of the season they have generously chosen to
share this tree with all Tennesseans." 

Gov. Phil Bredesen posed with drummer William Kenan of the Little Kids Rock group from Metro Nashville Public Schools that  performed at the state Christmas Tree lighting ceremony.

Before lighting the Capitol Christmas tree, 

Gov. Phil Bredesen said,. "I'd like to introduce the Music City Community Choir 

and ask them to perform. 

Little Kids Rock from Metro Nashville Public Schools entertained state employees, their children and others who came to the Capitol for the tree lighting ceremony.  In his remarks the governor said, "We'd like to give special thanks to the students of Little Kids Rock
from Metro Nashville Public Schools who just performed.

Reindeer wrangler/owner Jill Swenson shows off her
prize reindeer, Comet, she brought to the Capitol for the ceremony.

Comet the reindeer poses at the Capitol where she spent the day. Gov. Phil Bredesen said, "Lots of things get talked about at the Capitol but this morning all they were talking about were the reindeer.
I want to say a special word of thanks to Snowflake and Comet for keeping their special flying abilities in check for the duration, keeping their hooves firmly on the ground here
this evening for our ceremony."

Jill Swenson (l.) and David Pepper (r.) of Strickland Place Farm pose with Gov. Phil Bredesen and Andrea Conte.  With them are reindeer Comet and Snowflake.

 

Jill Swenson shows her reindeer Comet to Gov. Phil Bredesen.

Gov. Phil Bredesen's entire remarks at the Capitol Christmas tree lighting ceremony:

Andrea and I want to thank you all for joining us to celebrate this holiday season and for the lighting of the state Christmas tree.

We'd like to give special thanks to the students of Little Kids Rock from Metro Nashville Public Schools who just performed.  Thank you all.  You all sounded great.

I want to thank Mr. & Mrs. Buddy Williams for donating this Blue Spruce tree behind me.  In the truest spirt of the season they have generously chosen to share this tree with all Tennesseans.

I want to express thanks to Jill Swenson and David Pepper of Strickland Place Farm, one of our great Tennessee Farms, for bringing our very special guests to join us here this evening.  Having Snowflake and Comet here at the Capitol this afternoon has been a real delight for the young and the young at heart.  Lots of things get talked about at the Capitol but this morning all they were talking about were the reindeer.  I want to say a special word of thanks to Snowflake and Comet for keeping their special flying abilities in check for the duration, keeping their hooves firmly on the ground here this evening for our ceremony.

I understand we have several people from the Department of Agriculture here who have, along with Jill and David, seen that Snowflake and Comet are well tended and helped to answer your questions about the reindeer.  And I thank each of you for being here.  Thanks to Brian (inaudible) the state horticulturist and others from the Department of General Services for all their hard work. In setting up this event and decorating this beautiful Christmas tree for us.

I'm sure that when this tree was planted no one expected it would grace the steps of the Capitol for all Tennesseans to enjoy.  For me it is a great reminder that all great things start small and one small  positive step and that it is within the power of each of us to take that step whatever it may be.  You never know what might grow or what might come of what you plant.

In my faith the Christmas tree started as a tribute to the birth of Jesus as a symbol of the light that cut through the darkness when man and (inaudible) connected.  It has also come to represent the spirit of the season full of good will and (inaudible) and warmth that people of all faiths celebrate at this time of the year.  Throughout this holiday season this tree will stand as a reminder of all of these things.

In this season of generosity and giving I hope it will inspire us to be thankful for all we have and inspire us to look for new ways to serve our families our neighbors our state and our country no matter how large or small.  Before we actually light the tree I'd like to introduce the Music City Community Choir and ask them to perform. 

Thank you for being here and sharing this music.  Whatever holiday tradition you call your own Andrea and I want to wish you the best of the season.  Thank you for all you have done to help make our state strong. 

Now let's get to the reason we are all here.  With us tonight are hopefully a very loud group of kids.  I am going to ask for their help as we light the Christmas tree.  Kids have been told this tree cannot light up without their help.  I am going to count to ten then I need you to yell "Happy Holidays"  as loud as you can."