In 2008, I was invited to the St. Patrick’s Day celebration at the White House. This is an annual event at which Irish American ties are celebrated. I had never been inside the White House before, so even though I did not vote for George Bush in 2000 or 2004, it was too great an opportuniy to pass up!
We arrived early, and since the President and First Lady were still well protected in the West Wing, we were allowed to wander around the East Wing and take photos. The above image was taken in the Vermail Room, which looks out across the lawns to the Washington Memorial. This room is also sometimes called the First Ladies Room because it houses official portraits of Eleanor Roosevelt, Mrs. Herbet Hoover, Nancy Reagan, Pat Nixon, Lady Bird Johnson, and as you can see above, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.
The East Wing corridor is where this marble bust of Abraham Lincoln stands. I was surprised that it was not behind some sort of protective barrier, but it is not. Also below is a photo standing in the corridor, looking into the Vermeil Room.
Continuing, you can see the East Wing Dining Room BEFORE the reception. It was amazing how quickly the reception for several hundred people was put together. That’s the famous portrait of Abraham Lincoln hanging over the fireplace.
The final photo shows the East Wing Library. It was amazing to walk around and see The Marquis de Lafayette’s sword and George Washington’s books.
Check back tomorrow for Part Two and see photos in the East Room during the ceremony and some of the dignitaries!
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