In 1979, the National Christmas Tree was only partially lit. When President
Jimmy Carter sent his daughter
Amy to light the tree on December 13, the switch lit only the star atop the National Christmas Tree, while the state trees on the Pathway of Peace were illuminated only by tiny blue lights.
[168] Carter told the surprised crowd that the National Christmas Tree would remain dark until the
American hostages in Iran were set free.
[168] The theme of the tree was "Hope and Light", which celebrated the 100th anniversary of
Thomas Edison's invention of the
practical incandescent light.
[161] The tree itself was trimmed with silver balls and white garland, and a complex, changing lighting scheme (also in white) designed.
[161][168] There were only 50 smaller trees that year (one for each of the hostages),
[168] and a single tree separate from the Pathway of Peace representing prisoners of war.
[161] Only nine days of musical performances were planned.
[169] ...
The National Christmas Tree again remained largely unlit in 1980. President Carter's five-year-old grandson,
Jason, switched on the tree.
[175] The tree had been completely decorated with large balls and lights, but at a meeting in early December 1980 the families of the American hostages asked that the tree remain unlit.
[175] The lights on the tree shone for 417 seconds, one second for every day that the hostages had been captive.
[161] The lights were then turned off, leaving only the star atop the tree shining.
[175] When the hostages were released on January 20, 1981, the tree was redecorated.
[161] It was relit for the returning hostages on January 27.
[176] 1980 was also the first year that the Pageant of Peace organizers were required by the National Park Service to hold an open meeting to solicit input from the public.
[161] Once again, a separate small tree honored of American prisoners of war.
[161]
Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Christmas_Tree_(United_States)