April 2004

For over 200 years, the White House and its staff have stood as symbols of the Presidency, the U.S. Government, and the American people.  During the 1960s, Lady Bird Johnson noted that the White House staff continued with its work no matter who was elected. Telling the story of being a White House staffer is not an easy task.  Countless memoirs have been written, but there has never been a gathering where former and current White House staff members could share their unique experiences. Well, that all changed on November 14-16, 2003, when current and former White House staffers gathered together in historic Williamsburg, Virginia, for the first EVER White House Staff Reunion.

The event, which attracted more than 130 attendees, was a tremendous success.   The Committee could not have foreseen the overwhelming interest and enthusiasm by the attendees for the Reunion. The Administrations of President Dwight Eisenhower through President George W. Bush were well represented.  A special trove of images emerged from the Reunion: such as meeting a President for the first time; meeting Mother Teresa; flying on Air Force One; the 1973 POW Dinner; flying President Carter, Mr. Sadat, and Mr. Begin to Camp David; White House Easter Egg Rolls; the wonderful children's letter; memorable White House Christmas parties; and many more recollections. As one attendee said, "it is impossible to quantify the wonderful memories."

Invited to speak to the attendees were actors portraying Presidents Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, John Tyler, Calvin Coolidge, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. They spoke about their roads to the Presidency and what life was like while they lived in the White House. The "Presidents" enthralled the audience.  A fifer and drummer from Colonial Williamsburg's musical ambassadors led the group into the dining room for dinner.  During the event, attendees viewed presidential memorabilia on display entitled "1945-2003: A Walk Down Memory Lane."  In addition to personal scrapbooks, White House staff photos from each Administration were on display.

Colonial Williamsburg was the ideal location as a city that has hosted dignitaries ranging from presidents to prime ministers, and that tradition continued with the first White House Staff Reunion.  It was a wonderful event and we are gearing up for the next Reunion. The Reunion was honored to receive letters of acknowledgment from former President Bush and former First Lady Nancy Reagan.  President George W. Bush, also sent  best wishes for an enjoyable event.  He stated "Our Nation is grateful to the men and women who devote themselves to public service. 
As current and former White House staff members, you are bound together by your shared dedication to excellence and extraordinary work ethic.  Your devoted service to America has made the Presidency, and the country, better and stronger.  I hope this reunion provides an opportunity to share fond memories and renew old friendships." 

A silent auction was also held to help defray the cost of the Reunion.  The auction was one of the highlights of the Reunion and everyone was generous in their bidding.  Some of the wonderful items donated to the silent auction were a USS Ronald Reagan Cap; a Thomas James crystal bowl; several Jules Jurgensen watches; White House Easter eggs; a photograph of the "Opening Day at the Reagan Library;" a Richard Nixon signing pen; a 1989 White House Christmas card; and many more wonderful items. 

On the strength of this very encouraging event, a second Reunion will be held on November 5-7, 2004, again in historic Williamsburg, VA. Please save this date. 

In order to assure that we contact as many former staffers as possible, please forward to Jean Lamb at Llambchop6@aol.com any names/addresses and telephone numbers of former staff members who may be interested in information on our second Reunion.  This will be helpful as we want our mailing list to be as complete as possible!

We look forward to seeing you in Williamsburg in November.