A huge Christmas tree in front of the White House fell due to a strong gust of wind. To lift it, it was necessary to bring a crane. The incident took place two days before the candle lighting ceremony, which will be attended by US President Joe Biden.
The Christmas tree on the lawn in front of the White House fell on Tuesday around 1 p.m. local time. According to the US National Park Service (NPS), its fall was caused by a strong gust of wind.
The tree was already decorated and ready for the official lighting ceremony, which is scheduled for Thursday. “As they say, ‘the show must go on,’ and NPS and our partners in organizing the ceremony are analyzing all possibilities to ensure its success,” the services said.
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The Christmas tree in front of the White House fell over
According to American media, a crane arrived on site in the afternoon and around 18:00 he raised the Christmas tree again. CBS News reminds that a similar incident occurred in 2011, when strong winds knocked down an almost 13-meter Christmas tree. This year, however, the fallen tree, according to local media reports, is the second one on which Christmas decorations were to be lit. The first one developed mold so they had to be completely replaced.
The tradition of ceremoniously turning on the Christmas trees in front of the White House has been practiced since 1923. It was then that President Calvin Coolidge did it for the first time, lighting the lamps on a 14-meter-high tree. The president is expected to appear at Thursday’s ceremony Joe Biden with the first lady Jill Biden and vice president Kamala Harris with the second gentleman, Doug Emhoff.
Main photo source: ENEX