From Virginia’s Executive Mansion:
Dear Friend:
The First Lady and I would like to invite you to the annual Capitol Tree Lighting this Friday, December 7, 2012 at 5 p.m. on the South Portico of the Capitol in Richmond. This year, in addition to the tree lighting, we will recognize and pay tribute to the U.S. military by featuring music by the National Guard’s 29th Division band, hosting veterans from each war, and presenting guest speaker CPT Bill Haneke, US Army (Ret). Cpt. Haneke is a very severely wounded Vietnam veteran, reputed to be the most severely wounded warrior ever to have survived.
We will also have another very special guest that evening, 6-year-old Nathan Norman and his family. Nathan is a brave warrior who has battled numerous serious health challenges and taught his family and friends so much through his love, strength, and faith. Nathan displays the same qualities as the soldiers who will also be recognized this evening: bravery and selflessness. To salute Nathan and his passion for those in uniform, emergency response vehicles will line North Drive leading up to the Mansion for the tree lighting and open house.
We will be hosting an open house immediately following the tree lighting where you will have an opportunity to walk through the Mansion and view the holiday décor. As we sit on the eve of the bicentennial, this year’s theme is First House: Two Centuries of Holiday Cheer.
Both events are free and open to the public, and we hope you will help to spread the word about this wonderful holiday tradition. We will be collecting donations at the open house to benefit the Virginia War Memorial. We encourage everyone to bring $1.00 to donate to the War Memorial.
You can find more information on both events at http://www.ExecutiveMansion.virginia.gov, or by emailing ExecutiveMansion@governor.virginia.gov.
Thank you very much for your time and support, and we look forward to seeing you on Friday, December 7!
| Sincerely, |
| Governor Bob McDonnell |
