Christmas Tree at DC’s Union Station: A Symbol of Goodwill

And it's the season for gratitude and reflection. DC's Union Station is embodying these values with its annual tradition, a Christmas tree that symbolizes goodwill between the United States and Norway. Entity Sam Wong has the story. >> It's huge. Like what? >> It's awesome. It's awesome. I enjoy seeing the flags. >> Ushering in a festive holiday season, DC tourists are greeted by a massive Christmas tree upon walking into the Hall of Union Station. Decorated with lights, snowflakes, ornaments along with American and Norwegian flags, the tree has become a major attraction at the city's largest transportation hub. Beautiful tree, very well decorated, and uh I think it brings joy to people, you know, everybody that works in here. >> Very festive, uh well lit. [laughter] Um I like the the star on top. >> I think it's really pretty. Um that was kind of my first reaction was just that it was pretty and then I noticed the flags on it. Yeah. And was kind of just trying to figure out what the two the mix of the two flags was for. >> The answer to that question goes back to 1997. That was when Norway first gifted a Christmas tree to America as a token of gratitude for the help they received in World War II. It has since become an annual tradition that symbolizes friendship and goodwill between the two countries. >> Yeah, Europe has been pretty thankful for over the years, especially Belgium and those places. I'm glad somebody's thanking us for something. I think it's a good thing that they do that, you know, and also keeping people in mind what happened in the past. That's a good thing also. We should never forget what, you know, what people did for others. And embracing the spirit of gratitude is at the heart of the Christmas season. Beyond the festivities, perhaps it's time to reflect on our blessings and extend our compassion to others. Sam Wong, NTD News, Washington, DC.