|
"Five, four,
three, two, one. Merry Christmas, everybody!" Obama said as the
national tree took sparkle for the 93rd year.
Flanked by his wife, two daughters and mother-in-law, Obama led
the countdown in windy President's Park, across the street from
their home at the White House, in a celebration that included
performances by pop singer Aloe Blacc and rock band Fall Out
Boy.
Using a moment in the festive holiday setting to address the
victims of Wednesday's deadly shooting spree in California,
Obama struck a more somber tone, cautioning Americans to "summon
the spirit of togetherness" this holiday season.
"Now, this is, of course, the most wonderful time of the year.
But we would be remiss not to take a moment to remember our
fellow Americans whose hearts are heavy tonight – who grieve for
loved ones, especially in San Bernardino, California," Obama
said in reference to the rampage that left 14 dead and 21
wounded.
"Their loss is our loss, too, for we’re all one American family.
We look out for each other in good times, and in bad. And they
should know that all of us care about them this holiday season,"
he said.
(Reporting by Alana Wise; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
[© 2015 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2015 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
 |
|
