In 1924, the American Forestry Association--who had promoted the planting of live community trees in memory of those who lost their lives in World War I--donated to the Christmas Eve event a living tree. Because of the recreational and multipurpose uses of the Ellipse throughout the year the permanent tree was planted in nearby Sherman Plaza, (southeast of the White House and south of the Treasury Building). On Christmas Eve both President Coolidge and First Lady Grace Coolidge participated in the tree lighting ceremony. Meanwhile...on the West Coast, organizers in California were promoting the giant "General Grant" Sequoia tree as the "Nation's Christmas Tree." When asked to directly endorse the tree as such, President Coolidge declined, noting the then-current existence of numerous "national" tree projects. In 1926, Congress took up the California cause and formally designated "General Grant" as the "Nation's Christmas Tree." In 1949 Sanger, California, was designated as the "Nation's Christmas Tree City." A third honor was awarded on March 29, 1956, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed the "Nation's Christmas Tree" as a National Shrine--a living memorial to the men and women of the United States who have given their lives in service to their country. Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz was the President's personal representative at the official dedication on Veteran's Day, November 11. Each year during the annual Christmas ceremony, national park rangers place a large wreath at the base of the tree.

Credits and Sources:

"1924." National Parks Service. Accessed June 24, 2015. http://www.nps.gov/whho/learn/historyculture/1924-1933-tree-lightings.htm