First lady Diann Torres speaks while her husband, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, and their six children, Ralph Anthony, Vaniqa Marie, Deon Titus, Tristan Dane, Divannie and Ryan listen.
The state DIY Christmas tree is lit up for the first time, marking the beginning of the holiday season in the CNMI.
Happy Holidays NMI!
The star atop the state Christmas tree shines bright.
THE CNMI’s first family lit the state Christmas tree on Capital Hill Saturday night, surrounded by family, friends, and community members.
“We just wanted to say thank you all for being here,” outgoing Gov. Ralph DLG Torres said. “We are very blessed throughout our career. As we close out this year, this is our last Christmas here, and we wanted to also thank all of you for all the love you’ve given us throughout the years, and so again, let’s have a great Christmas holiday, let’s be safe, and enjoy each other’s family time.”
First lady Diann Torres, who spearheads the state Christmas tree lighting each year by collaborating with various government departments and agencies, said, “It is indeed a beautiful evening. We continue to be blessed here in the Marianas. I would like to thank all our partners, from our private sector, our public sector, some non-government agencies, that have partnered up with us. Throughout the years, we have been blessed. We have been blessed to light up our tree, year after year, and every year gets better. Tonight is better because you are here with us.”
The lighting of the state Christmas tree signifies the start of the CNMI’s holiday season, she added.
“We want to thank all of you. Every year, we wish peace, joy, and happiness in our community. It has been a rough year for some of you, for some of us, but…love is alive during the Christmas season, during the holiday season, so we continue to ask you to spread love, spread happiness, spread joy and peace among yourself first, among your family, and, of course, throughout our community. We are blessed again to have each and every one of you here tonight. From our family to yours, we wish each and every one of you peace, joy, love. May this holiday season fill your homes with memories to last a lifetime,” she said.
This year, the state Christmas tree was made from recycled materials, including recycled bottles and cans.
CNMI Women’s Affairs Special Advisor Shirley Camacho-Ogumoro said three years ago, there was no state Christmas tree lighting because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Last year, it was because of rough weather.
The tree-lighting ceremony on Saturday included performances by the Marianas High School Glee Club, this year’s CNMI’s Got Talent champion Cookies & Cream, and past CNMI’s Got Talent champion Bernice Shane Sabino.
Local firefighters led the first family and community members on a tour of the outdoor Christmas displays at the government buildings on Capital Hill.
