The Governor and Mrs. Corbett honored first responders for their work during this year’s storms and floods as they lit the state capitol Christmas tree Tuesday afternoon.    The 23 foot Concolor tree was donated by Strathmeyer forests in York County. It’s decorated with 800 LED lights and more than 300 handmade ornaments donated by Pennsylvania senior centers.

The theme for this year’s tree lighting was “Hope for the Holidays”.  It honored the three state agencies directly involved in rescues during the severe weather this year; the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania National Guard.

14 year old Colin Vengen of Pottsville helped light the tree. He was flown to Philadelphia for a liver transplant in a state police helicopter when the organ became available during Tropical Storm Lee.

Governor Corbett thanked first responders for everything they did during a very trying year, starting with severe weather in the spring, followed by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee and the October snowstorm.

The Governor says the tree speaks to our optimism, it speaks to our tradition, it speaks to our faith; that we can put aside our differences, set aside our arguments, forget our politics, remember our humanity and celebrate each other’s company in this season.

The Governor told first responders they proved in deeds and with willing hearts that we’re all in this together.

The tree will be on display in the state Capitol Rotunda until January 7^th.