  Obama marks start of Christmas seasonDecember 2, 2011 - 09:28 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. President Barack Obama and his family officially marked the start of the Christmas season by lighting the tree in a ceremony just after dark Thursday, December 1, AP reports. The 26-foot Colorado blue spruce was planted in March on the Ellipse, a park that lies between the White House and the National Mall. Strong winds in February toppled the previous tree, which stood in the park since 1978. In remarks delivered during the tree-lighting ceremony, Obama urged the crowd to be generous and to help others in need during the holidays. "In this season of hope, let's help those who need it most: the homeless, the hungry, the sick and shut-in," he said. "In this season of plenty, let's reach out to those who struggle to find work or provide for their families." Obama was joined at the ceremony by his wife, Michelle; daughters Sasha and Malia; and mother-in-law Marian Robinson. The first lady read Clement Clarke Moore's poem "The Night Before Christmas" with Muppet star Kermit the Frog. The ceremony marks the 89th holiday tree lighting. The tradition began with President Calvin Coolidge in 1923.   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals  Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation.Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush.Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year.Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |
