FIRST COUPLE BEGIN HOLIDAY SEASON AT STATE CAPITOL

Photo Cutline: Tennessee families joined Governor Phil Bredesen and First Lady Andrea Conte on Friday to celebrate the lighting of the state Christmas tree. Bredesen and Conte hosted a holiday open house in the Capitol before the lighting. Nashville - Governor Phil Bredesen and First Lady Andrea Conte joined Tennessee families Friday to begin the holiday season at the State Capitol with the lighting of the state Christmas tree. \"In my faith, the lights on the Christmas tree symbolize the light that cut through the darkness on the night when Divinity and man connected,\" Bredesen said. \"Whatever faith you call your own, Andrea and I want to wish you the best of the season. This is a time to rest and be with loved ones, reflecting on what we\'ve accomplished as a state and preparing for the work ahead.\" Before the tree lighting, Bredesen and Conte hosted a holiday open house in the Capitol, where Tennessee families were invited to enjoy refreshments and Christmas music by several student choirs. Guests could also view this year\'s specialty tree on the first floor of the Capitol, which is decorated in honor of Tennessee\'s Imagination Library program. This summer, all 95 counties in Tennessee completed their adoption of the early reading program, which was founded by Dolly Parton and became a statewide initiative under Bredesen\'s leadership. \"Phil and I share a deep commitment to the welfare and education of Tennessee\'s children, and we\'re proud that the youngest citizens in 95 counties across our state have access to a free books program,\" Conte said. \"I want to thank the Imagination Library supporters who have helped make this possible.\" Holiday events at the Capitol continue this Thursday, December 7, as Bredesen and Conte host the fourth annual \"Tennessee Season to Remember,\" a holiday memorial service for those who have lost a loved one to homicide. The event is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Central Time at the State Capitol.