Christmas tree lifts spirits of workers digging at WTC

NEW YORK -- The glow of a Christmas tree trimmed with angels and flags is bringing more than just holiday cheer to workers at the smoking ruins of the World Trade Center -- it's making life bearable again.

"If you work down here everyday, you need something like this to bring a smile back to your face," said 35-year-old construction worker Don Foley.

Hundreds of workers at ground zero took a momentary break Friday night to watch the lighting ceremony of the 30-foot tree and sing Christmas carols.

The tree was topped with an American flag and adorned with thousands of angels bearing the names of the more than 3,000 people killed or missing on Sept. 11.

Jimmy Nolan, a member of the carpenters union Local 608, came up with the idea of a Christmas tree at ground zero as a morale booster for workers.