WASHINGTON - Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, hosted a National Guard Christmas Tree dedication in her office in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building here yesterday.
Biden, who herself is a National Guard mom, welcomed senior National Guard spouses, National Guard Family Program members, and their children who participated in the dedication.
The tree was decorated with 54 ornaments, which came from each U.S. state, territory, and the District of Columbia. Each state submitted one ornament, some of which were designed by military youth or service members.
The National Guard Christmas Tree is just one part of this year's White House holiday décor honoring service members, veterans and military families.
As visitors enter the White House for holiday tours, they will first see a tree featuring red, white and blue star-shaped ornaments to honor Gold Star Families -- those who have lost a loved one serving in the military.
In the White House's Blue Room, this year's 18-foot-6-inch official White House Christmas tree features decorations made by military children from across the country.
People can provide a message of thanks to military families this holiday season by visiting the Joining Forces' Share Your Message Through the USO website.
And, people can send a "Thank You" to U.S. service members through the USO's Send a "Thank You" to Our Troops website.