Unidentified Onlooker: Good work!</s>STEVE INSKEEP, host: That was the sound last night as President Bush led the countdown at the      lighting of the national Christmas tree at the annual Pageant of Peace      here in Washington, DC.  It was a clear and chilly Washington night, and      the president dedicated the ceremony to American troops serving overseas.</s>Pres. BUSH: America's military men and women stand for freedom, and they      serve the cause of peace.  Many of them are serving in distant lands      tonight, but they are close to our hearts.  As an expression of our hope      for peace and happiness in this Christmas season, we light the national      Christmas tree.</s>STEVE INSKEEP, host: And in this, the fifth year the president has presided over the      lighting of this tree, he also called on Americans to reach out to the      less fortunate.</s>Pres. BUSH: We also remember that we have a responsibility to help those      in need.  America's a compassionate and generous land, and acts of      kindness toward others fulfill their spirit of the season.  As we      approach Christmas in this time of war, we pray for freedom and justice      and peace on Earth.</s>STEVE INSKEEP, host: That's President Bush speaking near a 40-foot Colorado blue      spruce near the White House, the national Christmas tree.  And it is      called a Christmas tree, by the way.  A short distance away here in      Washington next week, House Speaker Dennis Hastert lights the Capitol      holiday tree.  That's the official name, though Hastert has complained      that it should be called a Christmas tree, too.</s>STEVE INSKEEP, host: It's MORNING EDITION from NPR News.
The annual lighting of the national Christmas tree was held last night in Washington. President Bush dedicated the lighting to U.S. troops, and urged Americans to celebrate the holiday season by helping those less fortunate.