Obama Family Lights National Christmas Tree

President says he hopes this year’s tree fares better than previous spruce

President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and their daughters lit the national Christmas tree Thursday night, dedicating it to the “heroism” of those who persevered through Superstorm Sandy in the northeast last month. "Now, we know that some of our neighbors to the north saw a more ruthless and destructive Sandy. And this holiday season is especially difficult for families who lost everything in the storm," President Obama said. "But it's also a time for us to be grateful for the heroism and perseverance of ordinary men and women in the storm's path who've showed us that Americans will always be stronger than the challenges that we face." View video from the lighting ceremony in the video player above. (Reuters)

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