GREETINGS FROM THE WHITE HOUSE HOLIDAY PARTY On Wednesday, November 10, what an amazing afternoon this was. I was honored to be invited to attend the Holiday Party hosted by the President and Mrs. Obama. Following a three-checkpoint security process where invitees IDs were checked and cross-referenced with the final list of prescreened and pre-approved names, I entered the East Wing of the White House via East Executive Drive, a narrow sealed-off street on the grounds which is located immediately to the west of the Treasury building. I was greeted by military personnel, dressed in full ceremonial uniform, who directed me up the steps to the entrance, staffed by additional military personnel. Upon entering the East Wing, the wonderful scent of pine filled the air from the various specially-decorated Christmas trees that lined the halls and adorned different rooms. The atmospherewas festive and magical. After checking in my coat, the sound of a Christmas choir, harmonizing classic favorites, beckoned visitors down the hall. Then, on the right was a staircase, leading to the second floor where additional military personnel were on hand to greet everyone. Heading upstairs, the smooth sounds of Holiday jazz greeted us as we all entered into an awe-inspiring setting whose grand north doors led out to the North Lawn, located on the Pennsylvania Avenue side. Among other drinks offered at a strategically-placed station, hot chocolate was in the offing. Past that in what I think was the Green Room was a magnificent and elegantly-arranged buffet spread. Complete with salads, hash browned potatoes, seasoned green beans with candied nuts, broccoli macaroni and cheese, rolls, shrimp, chicken, roast beef, ham, and more, low and high tables were placed throughout the different rooms as some dined while seated as others mixed and mingled while exploring the displays and decorationsthat were everywhere.A selection of drinks and an assortment of delectable desserts including pican pie, chocolate cake, cookies, cheesecake, and pastries only added to my surreal feeling, I cant believe I get to come back here again. Wow! After our meal, the hundreds in attendance continued to celebrate the Holidays while waiting for the President and Mrs. Obama to greet all of us. Following his informal remarks, I had the opportunity to meet the President. It is a pleasure meeting you, Mr. President, I said. Thank you, buddy, for being here, he replied as he shook my hand warmly. Unfortunately, since the Secret Service prohibited video recording of any kind inside the White House, I could not share the visuals like I had wanted. And, with that ever-so-brief greeting, it happened too quickly to capture a picture. However, the Secret Service did later permit me to record, literally starting from the second I stepped outside. That video is included in conjunctionwith this post. no matter ones political affiliation, the White House really IS the Peoples House. I will always remember this experience and will recall the occasion with much fondness. Happy Holidays, everyone!
Posted on: Thu, 11 Dec 2014 05:50:40 +0000
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