 Good evening Welcome to the Christmas tree lighting for the state of Vermont and the state house I am buildings in general services Commissioner Chris call. I've had the pleasure of speaking to a second crowd today for those of you Who are at this series? Launch this morning We are now going to be entertained by a song We have with us this evening Doug Perkins and Patrick Ross of the band hot flannel Gentlemen take it away to introduce The governor of the great state of Vermont Phil Scott. We have series on top of the state house They kind of completes everything a great day like that. I Thank you very much for being here tonight. This is a really special event And I'm happy to join you to celebrate this season I'd like to thank Larry and Pat Fortier and their family for donating this beautiful beautiful tree As well as Doug and Pat for the wonderful music. I'd also like to thank Bruce Now, you know Bruce was the winter storm. We just had Bruce I for one didn't realize that we we named snow storms these days Hopefully we'll have to name a lot as the the winter goes along But I do appreciate Bruce doing his part to decorate for the holidays a little Earlier than usual. I know the daily commuters may not be as excited as I am But we do live in Vermont if we're going to have cold we might as well have snow along with it So slow down and be careful out there because winter is actually here Now this November snow has also helped kick off the outdoor sports season with many of our ski areas and resorts Hoping up a little bit early, which is a great sign for we hope to be a very strong season I'd also like to thank take a moment to thank the utility crews That have been working day and night over the last few days to restore power to nearly 100,000 folks throughout Vermont With with a winner upon us it's also time to make sure we're checking on the elderly and more vulnerable neighbors that we have when the When the temperatures drop and the snow makes it getting around a little bit more difficult Take some time to see if you could help someone through the next few months Make sure they have heat the walk is shoveled or or they've got enough food in the pantry even a quick visit just to say hi goes a long way and And it would be great greatly appreciated by by many Now Vermont is known for our deep sense of community and commitment to our neighbors We help each other out. It's part of our DNA. We go the extra mile We believe in each other and the value of every person During this holiday season. It's important to reflect on how fortunate We really are to live in this brave little state along so many good and decent people who in their homes and jobs and Churches give so much of themselves in service to others. So let's make sure we don't take it for granted So here tonight as we kick off for the Christmas season Let's commit ourselves to showing gratitude for each other and especially all those Vermonters who inspire us with their kindness But there are random acts of kindness with their commitment to their families their compassion and optimism and their unconditional love Because to me that's what this season represents and that's what this tree represents Especially in a time when our debate and dialogue often lacks the respect and civility our country Desperately needs and deserves it's up to us to remember the golden rule do unto others as you would have done unto you It's really pretty simple treat others the way you want to be treated Even when someone may not be extending it to you or extending that same courtesy because that's when it really matters the most In this time of division we must we must remember that our children our children many of them here tonight are watching They're listening and they need role models to help make sure they understand the right way to engage with each other to talk To each other and to treat each other So as well we should also keep in mind there many Vermont families who are less fortunate that we are We may not be looking forward to this season as many of us do Let's do our part to make sure all Vermonters feel the joy of giving this season Take some time to donate or volunteer in a local food shelf shelter or community soup kitchen Contribute to a mitt and tree or toy drive that helps spread happiness to all of Vermont's children Make a donation to a local charity and always always be kind to each other It goes farther than we can realize Let's also remember that we have men and women who in the military will not be home for the holidays Who are in distant lands serving our nation and protecting the values that we cherish so much Let's keep them and their families and our thoughts as we move towards the new year and finally Let's embrace the hope and promise for the holiday season With so much negativity in the world today in so many ways to get it caught up in the anger and hate Let's use this time to be the example The shining star for others to look to and learn from because that's the Vermont way So thank you very much for being here tonight and merry very have a merry Christmas Governor, thank you for those inspirational words I think you had all the right marks. This is the time of giving A time for remembering those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Thank you Doug Patrick behalf of the state of Vermont the Fortier family. We have a certificate For their gift to the state, which is this magnificent tree And it reads thank you on behalf of Governor Phil Scott in the state of Vermont in recognition of your generous contribution to the 2018 governor's tree lighting ceremony Larry and Pat Fortier Please come up and receive your certificate of appreciation The cold did you gather? Thank you. Thank you so much for donating a tree. We really appreciate it I hope to be around We also have certificates of appreciation for our Musical duo this evening Doug Perkins and Patrick Ross. Please step up and receive your certificates We're gonna get it we're gonna get a picture Perfect We'll box these back up Boxing All right the moment we've all been waiting for can we have The little elves the little kids come on up. We want to assist the governor With the candy cane All right, here comes a countdown 10 nine eight Seven six five four three