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Secretary Haaland Speaks at the 2021 National Christmas Tree Lighting

This photograph of Secretary of the Interior Debrah A. Haaland speaking at the National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on the Ellipse was taken by Thomas Goertel on December 2, 2021. Haaland became the first person of known Native American ancestry to serve in a Cabinet position during the Joseph R. Biden administration. Haaland is a member of the Laguna Pueblo nation and had previously served as a U.S. Representative from the State of New Mexico from 2019-2021. The 2021 National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony was hosted by rapper and actor LL Cool J and featured performances by Billy Porter, Chris Stapleton, H.E.R., Juanes, Keb Mo, Kristin Chenoweth, Maren Morris, and Patti LaBelle. The lighting of the National Christmas Tree is a cherished holiday tradition in Washington, D.C. When President Calvin Coolidge lit the first tree in 1923, the celebration attracted more than 6,000 spectators. The opening ceremony and nightly holiday concerts have annually drawn hundreds of attendees.
Photographer
Thomas Goertel
Date of Work
December 2, 2021
Type
Photograph
Credit
Photo by Thomas Goertel for the White House Historical Association
View in the Digital Library

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