A fourth grade Nevada student who won an essay contest joined House Speaker Mike Johnson in lighting the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree Tuesday.

Grady Armstrong, the nine-year-old son of a teacher and a firefighter told the audience that his parents gave him "a love for the forest, nature, and the outdoors." His family lives in Virginia City, Nevada.

"Nevada is not just a desert. It's full of life, history, and beauty, and I think everyone should know how important it is to protect and enjoy these amazing places," Armstrong said. "Thank you, and Merry Christmas."

This year's U.S. Capitol Christmas tree is a 53-foot-tall red fir from the Carson Ranger District in Nevada. Dubbed Silver Belle, the tree will be on display on the West Lawn of the Capitol through the holiday season.

It has been decorated with more than 22,000 ornaments.

The tree arrived in Washington on Nov. 21 after a 3,000-mile journey on a flatbed trailer and was set up using a crane. Nevada foresters began searching for the perfect tree more than a year ago, taking into consideration height, shape, accessibility and the health of the tree.

After the holidays, the tree’s base will be milled into smaller lengths of lumber. Some of it will return to the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, where it was harvested, to be repurposed or displayed.