Oh you know, just reading a book in the White House library.
The Presidential China (each President had their own pattern) is displayed in this vibrant red room.
Major Theresa McKeller and I were so excited to be at the White House!
The elegant waiting area.
I had a great seat at the ceremony, but the lighting wasn’t perfect. Such an amazing and surreal experience.
The narrator read the citation while SGT White, President Obama and the President’s Army Aide stood at attention.
Yummy food! I even enjoyed a glass of wine while I was there!
The Blue Room.
Gallery wall in The Green Room.
There are only two pieces of modern art at the White House. This circus painting was my favorite piece.
What an amazing view of the Washington Monument!
Last week I had the opportunity to attend the Medal of Honor Ceremony for Army Sergeant Kyle White. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in Afghanistan in 2007. It was a solemn event, as 6 Soldiers lost their lives that day, but it was inspiring to see Sergeant White be recognized for his valiant actions that day.
All attendees rode over to the White House on a bus from a hotel in Arlington. After going through lots of security, we finally entered the White House and got to tour the Presidential china room and the library (I also got to see the gorgeous bathroom…complete with chandelier!). We then went upstairs where a Soldier played a gorgeous piano while we waited for the ceremony room to open. The ceremony lasted about 20-25 minutes, and it was humbling to hear about the events that took place that day in 2007, and to hear how Sergeant White continuously put himself in harm’s way in order to save his fellow Soldiers.
After the ceremony, there was a lovely reception with delicious food. We also got to explore The Blue Room and The Green Room. After over an hour of snacking on gourmet food and soaking in all the history of the White House, we left and headed back to the Pentagon. It was a once in a lifetime experience that I will always treasure. I’m so thankful that I had this opportunity before leaving the military.
What an incredible experience! Thanks so much for sharing this special day with us. Thank you too, and all your fellow military personnel, for your service!
What a great opportunity and a wonderful way to pay tribute. The photos are lovely, keep up the great posts.
Amazing. Those ceremonies are always hard. But I'm glad you got to enjoy touring the white house.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. What a humbling event to be witness too.
Katie, LTC Wagner is the Army Aide to the POTUS. He was a SOC P. and I think he knows you.
Barb, yes I saw LTC Wagner at the ceremony! He was my instructor so it was great to catch up. He taught Dimitri as well.
Thanks for sharing your inside look at this very special day.
How exciting! The circus painting is outstanding!
What an incredible experience! Thanks so much for sharing this special day with us. Thank you too, and all your fellow military personnel, for your service!
xo
Pat
Thanks Ammani 🙂 Hope you are doing well!
Thanks for reading, Tracy!