Husqvarna Starts Holiday Tree on Journey to Capitol Hill.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- From Virginia's George Washington National Forest to Washington, D.C., the official holiday tree started its journey to Capitol Hill Saturday with the help of Husqvarna. The company donated the chain saws and safety equipment used to fell the tree from the Warm Springs Ranger District of the George Washington National Forest.

At a send-off ceremony held Saturday in Highland County, Va., Governor Mark Warner, members of the Virginia Congressional Delegation, and other dignitaries made remarks before sending the tree on its journey to the Capitol.

The 2004 Capitol Holiday Tree, a 70-foot Red Spruce, will decorate the front lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., throughout the holiday season. On its way to Capitol Hill, the tree will travel via truck to 33 communities throughout the state.

Decorated with handmade ornaments from Virginia residents and schoolchildren as well as 10,000 lights, the tree will be erected on the west front lawn of the Capitol facing the Washington Monument. During a special televised ceremony, the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives will light the tree on December 9.

The custom of placing a holiday tree on the front lawn of the Capitol dates back to 1964. For the past 34 years the tree has been selected from a national forest, and this is the first tree to be selected from Virginia.

To assist in the cutting ceremony, Husqvarna provided two professional grade chain saws, as well as head-to-toe safety gear for the professional felling the tree.

"The tradition of the Capitol Holiday Tree symbolizes our nation's holiday spirit," said David Zerfoss, president of Husqvarna. "Husqvarna is proud to be affiliated with a program that serves as a reminder to us all of this joyous season."

For more information on the 2004 Capitol Holiday Tree, visit the Holiday Tree website at www.capitolholidaytree2004.org.

Husqvarna, a member of the Electrolux Group, offers forest, lawn and garden power equipment for all applications. For more information, contact Husqvarna, 7349 Statesville Road, Charlotte, NC, 28269, or visit Husqvarna's web site at www.husqvarna.com.