Pete A. visits CNMI tree decorated by man’amko

Taking time from his busy schedule, CNMI Resident Representative Pete A. Tenorio stopped by the Christmas Pageant of Peace to admire the CNMI tree.

The tree this year was decorated by ornaments handcrafted by the man’amko at the Office of Aging.

The Northern Mariana Islands State Tree stands with trees from all states and territories on the Ellipse across from the White House in Washington, D.C. The state tree is featured during the Christmas Pageant of Peace 2005 that celebrates the 82nd year of the lighting of the National Christmas Tree by United States President George W. Bush.

“More than a quarter million visitors stroll the Pathway of Peace during this Christmas season. Since 1954, the State Trees have been an integral part of the pageant. Every year, visitors bring their families to the park to enjoy the variety of decorations and to find ‘their tree,’” commented Tenorio. “When the President lights the national tree he also lights all 50 states, five territories and the District of Columbia trees.”

The national Christmas tree itself is a live 40-foot Colorado blue spruce transplanted from York, Pennsylvania to its present site on the Ellipse in 1978. Every year, General Electric designers decorate the tree with thousands of lights designed specifically for this event.

The man’amkos’ ornaments represent significant aspects of life in the Marianas such as birds, fans, hats, mats and stars. Among the materials used to make the ornaments were ribbons, magazines, plastic straps, coconut fiber, and coconut leaves to create baskets, pandana birds and stars.

In 1954, a new tradition was established—a “Pathway of Peace” surrounding the National Christmas Tree was created, consisting of 56 smaller, decorated trees representing all 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia.

Present at this year’s ceremony were Public School System officials including Garapan Elementary School principal Yvonne R. Gomez, Koblerville Elementary School principal Eric Evangelista, Patricia Kapileo, Josie Jones-Lizama, and Pete A. Torres from the Office of the Resident Representative.

“This year again, I am proud to say the CNMI has a beautifully decorated Christmas tree thanks to the enthusiasm of those involved in producing these ornaments,” said Tenorio. I extend my heartfelt “Si Yuus Ma’ase” to the Office of Aging and the man’amko for the time and effort they took to make this a wonderful event for all of us. As the world joins us to express our Christmas greetings to one and all, let us remember our servicemen and women on the frontiers of freedom, and we say to them. You are in our hearts always. We pray for your safe return home.” (PR)