A MEMORABLE DAY AT THE WHITE HOUSE

 

A MEMORABLE DAY AT THE WHITE HOUSE

By:  Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger

Photographer:  George Whylie

Videographer:  Maxine Nolan

Correspondent: David Cassanova

 

Last Wednesday, March 14th, two nations came together in solidarity in what can only be labeled as a day of remembrance, a day of pride and gratification of a friendship that is everlasting and will withstand the test of time.

The mild temperatures, ravishing cherry blossoms and the glowing sunshine all made for a most memorable day to hold this monumental event.

It began with the official arrival ceremony.  President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama hosted Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, David Cameron along with the honorable Mrs. Samantha Cameron for an official visit and state dinner.    This was Mrs. Cameron’s first official international visit.

Not only were dignitaries and media present, but there were also more than 450 students from ages 8 all the way up to age 18 that were on hand to be a part of this meaningful ceremony.  Not only were local schools in attendance but The First Lady has a special bond with Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School in North London and invited girls from that school as well.  In April of 2009, the President and First Lady made their very first international visit together to London where Michelle spoke to students of this school and encouraged them to reach for their dreams.  To sum it up very simply, “Learn, Achieve, Discover and Perform Without Limits”.  Striving to achieve your goals is one of the most rewarding accomplishments that will ever happen to them in their lifetime.

The press conference was filled with warmth and sincerity, a look into the meaning of tradition.  It was an opportunity to reciprocate hospitality.  We all stand united and the main goal is to put our people back to work and give them jobs.  Two men stood together for liberty and enterprise and for a strong relationship that will bring two countries closer together.

The day continued with more discussions on UK Higher Education, Science and Innovation Collaboration including Ecology and understanding new and emerging diseases and more talks on defense strategies of better informing our troops, better protecting our troops, applying naval research in support of technology advances, designing the aircraft of tomorrow and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

As the day came to a close, the evening held even more pleasant surprises.  A lavish state dinner was held in a large tent on the South Lawn.  But this wasn’t just any dinner.  The theme of the dinner was “America’s Backyard”.  In what has come to be known as a tradition of family and friends gathering in backyards across the United States and sharing and making it a special time, it is a closeness of coming together and so this theme signified much in the way of that particular tradition.  Rafanelli Events incorporated the beauty of countryside English gardens into the design.  Gardens are very popular in England with colorful flower borders, perennials, annuals and sometimes shrubs.  The design of the tent was built around this concept from the floral arrangements to the lighting to the amethyst linens and matching carpet.  Roses which are the national flower of both countries became the most important flower of the arrangements.

All the ingredients of the dinner were local including produce grown in the White House Kitchen Garden.  Here is a sampling of the menu:

The guests were greeted by 22 members of the Joint Service Honor Guard.  There was a tree decorated with colorful fake butterflies.  Some of the esteemed guests included Former New York Mayor Ed Koch, George Clooney, Richard Branson, Attorney General Eric Holder, Vogue Editor Anna Wintour and more.  Both Michelle Obama and Samantha Cameron looked absolutely stunning in their gowns.

Prior to this most palatable menu of diverse offerings, Michelle Obama gave the media a sneak preview at the atmosphere, the feel of the event and the actual menu.  But even more special, students were invited in as well so they could see what actually happens at a state dinner.  These students were from The National Cathedral School, Elizabeth Seton High School in Maryland and the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School.  The students from the United Kingdom received this honor on the merit of essays that they composed exemplifying their leadership skills.  Chief of Staff for the National Security Staff, Brooke Anderson, spoke about what a state visit means and what a state visit accomplishes.  Cris Comerford, Executive Chef for the White House, spoke about the menu, the preparation and what goes into making such a dinner successful.  The students were also treated to a sampling of the dessert which is always a favorite part of the entire meal.  The First Lady offered encouraging words of making sure that education is first and foremost in order to be successful at whatever they choose to undertake.

Following the dinner, the entertainment was a spirited culmination of the evening.  Mumford & Sons, a British folk rock band formed in 2007 and whom reached the Billboard Top 200 Albums of the Year Chart in 2010 and 2011 in addition to the Top Artist of the Year Chart in 2011, sang some of their greatest hits along with selections by John Legend.

It was definitely a day filled with genuine candor, good faith and a promise of a bright future with more visits.

Pure Fame Media Crew felt honored to have covered this remarkable celebration.