grace coolidge gave permission to put it down on the list. second, the tree you should note difs assassinated. the tree was lit marking the end of a 30-day national period of mourning. even though presidents have lit the tree for years it hasn't always looked the way it does now. the l.e. desmt lights were first used back in '07. and it's become more energy efficient ever year. president obama. they are pretty much all a big deal. but chance the rapper, kelly clarkson and yolanda adams are the head liner. and garth brooks, the man in the hat. >> it's a holiday tradition. today president obama will welcome the month of december by lighting the national christmas tree. first, let's get back down to doug where the weather is looking great for this event. >> it really is. we've been down here so many years where the weather has been freezing. other years we have had rain. a couple years ago it was pouring on us and everybody on the stage as well. they are going to do that it rain or shine. today it is all shine. we have that sun right now making