National Tree Comes Tumbling Down

The National Tree came tumbling down yesterday as a result of high winds that periodically went 60 miles per hour, in Washington.  The National Tree was moved by the National Park Service in 1978 on the Ellipse in President's Park and was intended to stay there for a very long time.  This incident surprised many considering the tree was healthy.  The National Tree was traditionally decorated and officially lighted by the president at Christmas time in a nationally broadcast celebration.  Now, however, the tree is expected to be replaced by the spring in the same area.