Spruce Serving As National Christmas Tree Felled By High Winds

The New York Times reports that high winds which swept through Washington, DC today felled the 40-foot tall Colorado blue spruce growing on the Ellipse behind the White House. The tree has served as the National Christmas Tree since 1978.  Every year the National Christmas Tree is lit by the President in a widely broadcast ceremony.  The  tradition first began in 1923.  The Park Service had previously identified a successor tree, and now it will be moved to the Ellipse in late spring.