by Ken Wetmore, KUAM NewsWednesday, December 24, 2003
The 80th White House Christmas tree lighting ceremony took place in the nation's capital with festival activities and holiday exhibits remaining open to the public through January 2004. Over 12,000 lights brightly illuminate the 40-foot Colorado blue spruce, located on the ellipse near the White House. A model train display also runs under the giant spruce. Another 56 smaller trees representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia and five territories line the surrounding "Pathway of Peace." According to Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo she says it is wonderful that during this season of peace and goodwill, that the people of Guam have a tree that shines brightly for all to see and to enjoy in our nation's capital. Guam's participation in the 2003 Christmas Pageant of Peace was coordinated by the Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency with support from the island's visual and folk artists, as well as the Guam Girl Scouts.