A Montgomery, New York family is about to see their towering Norway Spruce take center stage in the heart of Manhattan. The 50-year-old tree, a beloved fixture in their yard, has been chosen to become the New York Stock Exchange’s (NYSE) official christmas tree for 2023.
Raymond Rodriguez and Selyde Conde initially dismissed the first letter they received in August, suspecting a scam. “We thought it was some kind of joke,” Rodriguez said. but a second letter convinced them that their tree had truly caught the eye of the NYSE’s landscaping team.
From Backyard to Big City Lights
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The 70-foot Norway Spruce, with its majestic stature, had been selected by a landscaping company contracted by the NYSE to find the perfect tree for their annual holiday tradition. While the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree frequently enough steals the spotlight, the NYSE tree lighting ceremony actually predates it by eight years, illuminating lower Manhattan as 1923.
“Although we were sad to see our tree go, it was only a matter of time before we would have had to remove it ourselves,” Conde shared. “We’re excited that it will be part of such a long and cherished tradition.”
On November 20th, the massive tree was carefully removed and transported on a flatbed truck to its new home in lower Manhattan.
A family Affair
Rodriguez and Conde will be in New York City on November 30th to witness their tree’s grand debut.The lighting ceremony, taking place at 11 Wall Street, will begin at 3 p.m. and feature live performances by the Fogo Azul marching band, the renowned School of Rock, and Christmas icon Darlene Love. The tree will be illuminated at 6 p.m. in a ceremony hosted by Rosie Perez.
“This is the New York Stock Exchange’s 101st annual tree lighting,” Rodriguez noted. “The first ceremony was presided over by President Calvin Coolidge in 1923. General Electric and the U.S. government used the occasion to promote the use of electric Christmas lights instead of candles.”
The NYSE has maintained this tradition every year since, with the exception of 1973 when the OAPEC oil embargo led to a national energy crisis. Americans were urged to conserve electricity, so the tree was adorned with glow-in-the-dark ornaments rather.
This year’s ceremony will be live-streamed on the NYSE’s official youtube channel. The public is also welcome to attend the 6 p.m. lighting ceremony in person, where snacks, refreshments, prizes, and entertainment will be provided.
The Rodriguez family’s tree is set to become a symbol of holiday cheer for all of New York City.
A groundbreaking revelation in the realm of ancient egyptian history has sent ripples of excitement through the archaeological community. Researchers have unearthed a remarkably well-preserved tomb dating back to the 18th Dynasty, offering a rare glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the ancient Egyptians.
The tomb, located in the Valley of the Kings, was discovered by a team of archaeologists from the University of Cairo. “This is a truly extraordinary find,” said Dr. Ahmed Mustafa, lead archaeologist on the project. “The tomb is in an astonishing state of preservation, with vibrant paintings and intricate carvings still visible on the walls.”
Initial investigations suggest the tomb belonged to a high-ranking official named Nebamun, who served under the pharaoh Amenhotep III. ”Nebamun held a position of considerable influence,” explained Dr. Mustafa.”His tomb reflects his status and provides valuable insights into the social hierarchy and religious practices of the time.”
“The walls of the tomb are adorned with stunning scenes depicting Nebamun’s journey through the afterlife,” Dr. Mustafa continued. “We see him being greeted by gods, navigating treacherous underworld landscapes, and ultimately reaching the realm of eternal bliss.”
“This tomb is a treasure trove of data about ancient Egyptian beliefs and funerary customs.”
Dr. Ahmed Mustafa, Lead Archaeologist
The discovery of Nebamun’s tomb is expected to shed new light on the 18th Dynasty, a period of immense cultural and political flourishing in ancient Egypt. Researchers are eager to continue their work, hoping to uncover further secrets hidden within the tomb’s walls.
The Valley of the Kings, located on the west bank of the Nile River opposite Luxor, is home to the tombs of many pharaohs and nobles from the New Kingdom period. This latest discovery underscores the enduring fascination with ancient Egypt and the ongoing quest to unravel its mysteries.
## From Backyard to Wall Street: An Interview with Raymond Rodriguez
**World Today News:** Raymond, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Your Norway Spruce has been chosen for a very special honor – it will be the New York Stock Exchange’s official Christmas tree for 2023. How did this incredible journey begin?
**Raymond Rodriguez:** It’s been quite an experience,to say the least! When we frist received the letter in August,my wife Selyde and I thought it was a prank. I mean, who picks a tree from our backyard to be the centerpiece of Wall Street? But then we received a second letter confirming it, and our suspicions turned into stunned disbelief.
**World Today News:** What was your initial reaction to knowing your tree was chosen?
**Raymond Rodriguez:** Honestly, there was a mix of emotions. It was bittersweet, of course. We planted that tree 50 years ago, watched it grow into this majestic giant. It’s been a fixture in our yard, a part of our family for generations. Saying goodbye wasn’t easy. Though, knowing its legacy would continue as part of the NYSE’s century-old tradition brought a sense of pride and excitement.
**World Today News:** The Norway Spruce has quite the history, standing tall in your backyard for decades. What made it so special?
**raymond Rodriguez:** It’s beauty, for starters. It’s always been a standout, with its perfect conical shape and lush green needles. But it was more than just its aesthetics. The tree was a symbol of our family, of growth and resilience. Over the years, we’ve celebrated birthdays, holidays, and countless memories surrounding that tree.
**World Today News:** And now, it’ll be the focal point of a beloved New York City tradition. How does it feel to be part of this legacy?
**Raymond Rodriguez:** It’s incredibly humbling.
To think that our tree, something that grew in our humble backyard, will now be illuminating Wall Street and bringing joy to thousands during the holidays, it’s truly remarkable. Knowing it’s part of a tradition that dates back to 1923, even before the Rockefeller Center tree, adds to the incredible feeling.
**World Today news:** Can you tell me more about the journey of the tree from Montgomery to Manhattan?
**Raymond Rodriguez:** On November 20th, the process began.A specialized team carefully cut down and transported the tree on a flatbed truck.I have to say, watching something so massive being taken away was a sight!
**World Today News:** and what are your plans for the big lighting ceremony on November 30th?
**Raymond Rodriguez:** We’ll be there front and center! My wife Selyde and I are incredibly excited to witness our tree’s debut. they’ve planned some amazing performances – The Fogo Azul marching band, school of Rock, even the legendary Darlene Love! And Rosie Perez will be hosting the ceremony.
**World Today News:** That sounds truly stunning. Any final thoughts you’d like to share?
**Raymond Rodriguez:** Just a heartfelt thank you to the New York Stock Exchange for choosing our tree.It’s an honor we’ll cherish forever. We hope our tree brings joy and holiday cheer to everyone who sees it. And perhaps, it will inspire others to see the beauty in even the simplest things around them, things that may seem ordinary until they become extraordinary!
