 All performances at the Pageant of Peace were cancelled on December 28 (the national day of mourning for Truman), although the tree remained lit for security reasons.Although there were no protests at the tree lighting ceremony, anti-war protests were held at the Pageant of Peace on December 25 and December 30.Having used cut trees from around the country since 1954, the Christmas Pageant of Peace reintroduced a living tree in 1973.