Ward Burton visits D.C. for Holiday Tree Project

HALIFAX, Va. -- Ward Burton made a trip to Washington, D.C., this week for the lighting of the Capitol Holiday Tree.

Burton was the celebrity chair for the Capitol Holiday Tree Project, run by the United States Forest Service. This is the first time that the tree, placed at the Capitol, has come from the state of Virginia.

Ward Burton

The selected tree is a 70 foot red spruce from the George Washington National Forest in Highland County, Va. The tree, and companion trees also from Virginia, is adorned by 11,430 ornaments made by grade school children from Virginia. A drawing was held in conjunction with the 4-H in Appomattox, Va., and Burton picked the name of one lucky child and teacher to attend the lighting ceremony.

"I really enjoy spending time with kids and talking to them about conservation and education. After all, they are the decision makers of tomorrow," Burton said.

Burton, a native Virginian, is active in various U.S. Forest Service programs and was pleased to participate in the program.

"I feel honored to be involved with the program. The U.S. forest Service has many worthwhile programs that the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation has been able to participate in, commented Burton."

While in D.C., Burton and his family also attended a private tour of the White House. Burton met with the chairman of the Senate Arms Committee -- Senator John Warner of Virginia, Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, Senator George Allen of Virginia and Congressman Bob Goodlatte, chairman of the House Agriculture Committee.