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| from deseretbook.com |
ABOUT THE BOOK
In the early days of Calvin Coolidge's presidency, a new White House tradition was born with the decorating of a "National Community Christmas Tree" in 1923. Since 1927, the annual lighting of the tree has also been accompanied by a presidential message. Those addresses, many of which are collected here, have provided an intriguing snapshot into the soul of two enduring institutions: The Christmas holiday and the American nation.
From the initial, decidedly brief messages that "Silent Cal" Coolidge presented at the end of the 1920s to those given by Franklin Delano Roosevelt in the midst of World War II as well as Ronald Reagan's message expressing solidarity with the people of Poland, which charted the beginning of the end of the Cold Car, the Presidents of the United States have marked the time through these inspiring messages of hope and goodwill.
This collection of Christmas messages consists of at least one address from each president since Calvin Coolidge. Reading them, we can trace the history of the United States from the Roaring Twenties through the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, the brief eras of Camelot and Watergate, the oil crisis and the fall of Communism, eras of economic book and recession, and the aftereffects of terrorism. Through all of these historic events, the lasting message of Christmas shines bright: We look to Christmas to remind us of what we can be—what is possible when we unite in hope, faith, and forgiveness.
REVIEW
This beautifully designed gift book celebrates the messages of love and peace that have been shared by presidents of the United States, past and present. Each chapter highlights the words imparted by the president in addition to a brief description of what was going on in the world at the time. Historical photographs and brief side-notes help delineate the events that lead to the delivery of these messages. The words shared are an important reminder of what our country stands for and what has lead us to where we are today. The inspirational messages remind readers that peace and good will are important in leading America into the future. While the men who spoke these messages were far from perfect and whose decisions continue to have an impact on the roads the United States travels, these words suggest the ideals that we should continue to strive for.
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