After traveling over 1,800 miles cross-country, a Englemann spruce from Colorado brightened the sky outside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, as many gathered around it to take in the red, green, yellow and blue lights.

Members of the Colorado delegation, including U.S. Reps Diana DeGette, Joseph Neguse and Senators Michael Bennet and Cory Gardner, stood together – while wearing masks – as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi lit the 55-foot tree, which became the center of attention. 

“Colorado is honored to furnish this year’s Capitol Christmas Tree,” said Bennet. 

“I hope it’ll remind us that whatever the challenges our times bring, like this tree, our country can grow stronger … on behalf of our state, we’re grateful to provide this symbol of hope and unity in these uncertain times.”

The tree was harvested from the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest in western Colorado and began its journey across the country on Nov. 5.

For the last 56 years, a tree from one of the 154 National Forests in the United States has had the honor to be on display at the U.S. Capitol throughout the holiday season. This year marks the fourth time a tree from Colorado has been chosen. 

“It is so meaningful to everyone in Colorado,” said DeGette. 

“If you can get close enough to the tree, you can see that there are ornaments all over the tree from all aspect of life in Colorado, and so we’re just delighted to be here.”

Colorado’s last tree was on display at the U.S. Capitol in 2012 and was harvested from the White River National Forest, near Silverthorne. 

Despite the challenges 2020 has presented to Americans, each speaker said that this bit of normalcy will bring hope to everyone who sees it.

“In this tough year of 2020, isn’t it wonderful that going to the holidays we can have the Capitol Christmas Tree to light up and bring hope to us,” DeGette said.