Great report trooprally (and Mrs.). It was so awesome to be standing on the South Lawn of the White House with you all on Tuesday.
I’ll add a few of my observations here.
It was a beautiful, crisp morning and I found myself outside the SE entrance to the White House at just about 7:30 a.m. I knew that 5 of us from Free Republic would be joining a number of other members of troop support groups, but we were given no details about what type of event we would be attending or who would be present. Of course, we all hoped the Commander-in-Chief would be there.
Kristinn met me outside the security station because the trooprallys and tgslTakoma had already entered the grounds. There was a short wait to go through the metal detectors and have purses and bags searched. Then we were being directed and greeted by military and staff members who were standing along the walk at varied distances on either side. The staff members were all wearing a placard on their security tags that stated, “BREAKFAST ON THE SOUTH LAWN, September 18, 2007.” That was the first inkling that it was a breakfast event.
On the outer edges of the South Lawn area, tents and buffet stations were set up with picnic tables spread out to cover the area. The tables were covered with red and white checked tablecloths and pretty baskets of flowers. It was quite colorful and lovely. The area was already full of excited people, most of whom were wearing beige or red golf shirts.
I quickly found tgslTakoma, Mr. and Mrs. trooprally and other friends and they had found a table in the center close to the front. We took some photos with the White House in the background. (Don’t you know that we had to have proof that FReepers were there!)
The breakfast food was simple, but very good. There were mini croisants, biscuits with cream cheese or jelly, blueberry muffins, cinnamon coffee cake, ham inside a roll, fresh fruit and a few other items that I don’t recall at this moment in time. Close to the buffet tents were coffee and orange juice stations. The coffee cups were disposable, but had the Presidential Seal on them and there were cocktail napkins with a seal also — very nice souvenirs.
While everyone ate and socialized with one another, a military band played. The band was positioned on the second floor balcony. They were extremely good and the audience was appreciative.
We figured that the President would be joining us at some point, but we knew for sure when a nice fellow came to our table with cards that we needed to fill out. These cards would have our name, address, phone number and description of our physical appearance that day. They were to be handed in if we were so fortunate as to be close enough to the President for the White House Photographer to snap our picture. We eagerly filled out the cards and hoped.
At 8:20 a.m., they closed the gate to any more guests. At about 8:35 a.m., they opened the gate or door to wherever they keep the press and let them in to set up. A podium was set up with a clear view from our table. Unfortunately, the press kept spreading out into what we determined to be our space where we could get a great photo of the President and Mrs. Bush. We kept reminding the members of the press to move out of our way — especially since they were biased and they weren’t going to report on this event anyway! I believe it was Kelly O’Donnell (redhead) who was not happy to be told to move — but she did.
The band played again and at 9:00 a.m. the President and the First Lady were announced. It was such a thrill to see them walking to the podium and be so close to us. Then W introduced Katy Benko and she sang a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem without accompaniment.
The President introduced and pointed out some of his cabinet members who had joined the group and sat at various tables nearby. The Administration officials included Condi Rice and Vice President Dick Cheney. Then the President began a short speech thanking everyone for their support of the troops and urging us to relay our support to our Congressmen and Senators. A large number of those present at the Breakfast had appointments on the Hill.
The President’s message was well received by a cheering crowd. And, even as we could hear an announcement asking us to stay in our seats, the President was surrounded by a mass of polite people who wanted to hug him, shake his hand, get a photo with him, or just thank him for his strength and leadership in the war on terror.
I couldn’t get near the crush of people by President Bush, so I joined the circle surrounding Vice President Cheney. People were everywhere, but they were in a good mood and helpful to those who were shorter or disabled or had children with them. I waited my turn and was almost next to VP Cheney when he noticed an older fellow with a badge indicating he was from Wyoming. VP Cheney started talking to him and the man introduced himself. As it turned out, the Vice President told him, “I remember you. You were 3 years ahead of me in school.” And then they reminisced for a couple of minutes more. Then it was my turn and a friendly guy took a photo of me with VP Cheney. I told Mr. Cheney that I was with Free Republic and we were the group who told Al Gore to “GET OUT OF CHENEY’S HOUSE.” I hardly got the words out when the next person stepped in to talk to him and have her photo taken.
The number of people surrounding President Bush had diminished slightly, so I began to work my way through the line. I got within about 3 rows and could see him clearly, but was too short to get a good photo. The friendly guy who took the photo of me with VP Cheney was right beside me and offered to help again. He was much taller and got some good shots.
It took awhile, but I did get to the front and was able to talk to President Bush. Seeing him greeting the wives and parents of soldiers who gave up their lives in service to our country was pretty emotional. I almost felt like I shouldn’t have been there taking up his time that should more properly be spent with each family member.
Then, it seemed sudden, he turned toward me and put his arm around me and kissed my cheek. And I kissed his cheek and gave him a firm hug. As I was thanking him for his strong leadership and steadfast courage, he was thanking me for supporting the troops. My new friend’s son took a picture of me with the President. I worked my way out of the crowd so others could take my place. It was an awesome experience that I will never forget.
I took a breather from the crowds and looked around for other FReepers. I found Mrs. trooprally. She and I were talking when we saw Karen Hughes walking toward us with another woman. She graciously stopped to talk to us and then posed with us for a photo.
I wanted to see if Condi Rice was still on the grounds, but couldn’t find her. Instead, I found a cluster of people in front of a big tree near the White House. When I checked out what was happening, I found that Laura Bush was talking to people and posing for photos. I joined the group and waited to see her. I let a group of children in front of me and Mrs. Bush hugged them all before getting the photo taken. She was very gracious and beautiful in person. I gave her a hug and thanked her as another kind stranger took a photo of us both.
Afterwards, I walked back toward the picnic table where the group had breakfast. I could see that the President still had layers of people surrounding him, but the Secret Service had established a rope line and some order to the crowd. The Vice President also had some space around him with a definitive line of people waiting to see him.
I kept walking and found tgslTakoma sitting at one of the perimeter picnic tables. We sat together for awhile enjoying the beautiful day, the company, our photos and personal stories. The trooprallys had gone inside for the White House tour and Kristinn was in line to see the President.
As the crowd dwindled, we decided to take the tour. There was a sign at the entrance to the White House stating that once inside no one could go back to the South Lawn. So tgslTakoma and I walked through the White House. We were allowed to take photos inside and take our time walking through this historic mansion. The exit was out the usual tour entrance.
As I sit here writing a report of the day, I am still in awe that I was fortunate enough to be invited to the White House and able to meet President Bush, Laura Bush and Vice President Cheney.
I’m so glad you posted as well. I have you tell ya, I would have fainted, lost my breath, words or something.
I admire you for your courage, strength and stamina. You guys were taken seriously, appreciated and welcomed. It’s all deserved. I’m so excited for you guys.... LOL~ It’s still hard to believe it....
I have posted an after-action report of the meeting with President Bush, the First Lady and Vice President Cheney on Tuesday, September 18, 2007. Please ping anyone you think might be interested.
Thanks and FReep On!
Thanks so much for your report. AWESOME...
How thrilling! I am so happy for you! I am breathless just thinking about your wonderful experience.
Thank you for your great work all these years. I was a lurker in 2000 and you all kept me sane! God bless you for supporting our troops.
All I can say is WOW! Glowing after report Angel, and I am so happy for you! :)
Thanks for your beautiful report, Angelwood. I got teary-eyed just reading it.
And thanks to the Trooprallys too.
[Mr] T
Thank you for that beautiful and well written writeup of your morning at the White House and time with the President, the First Lady, with VP Cheney, and with Sec of State Rice.
(brings back memories of all those wonderful reports you posted back in the Clinton crime days...may those days NEVER return!)
Am just so thrilled to know you were there to hug and kiss our wonderful President!!!!! OH my!!! And then to be able to talk, even briefly, with VP Cheney and Mrs. Bush....oh my again!
Whoever does the organizing of these events is absolutely the best aren’t they? They have to cover every detail. I don’t know who is in charge of these events, the set up and the food and everything but need to say to those people - well done - good job - and all that.
So glad the obnoxious press moved back into their space ....good to know they CAN listen and behave somewhat decently.
You were with the President and his most faithful and trusted “adivsors”, friends, officials, and family. WHAT an exclusive and delightful group that included the delightful and determined FR DC chapter! Thanks for all your years of service there, Angelwood, and once again, for this delightful report.
I am still in awe that I was fortunate enough to be invited to the White House and able to meet President Bush, Laura Bush and Vice President Cheney.
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You certainly deserve all those hugs for all the dedication you have given to supoorting our Nation! Thanks for the detailed description of your adventure.
You all have mentioned the presence of a large group of media folks at this gathering. Have any of you seen a report by any so-called MSMer? The only (published) report here on FR is by Armed Forces Press Service.
Thank you both for filling us in on your wonderful day! I’m so thrilled for all of you.