I have been inside the White House twice. Back in 1999, when our family had a spring break trip to Washington, D.C., we got timed tour tickets to go inside. 5 years later, we got access into the White House during a short trip there in December 2004 and we saw the special decorations in place. 20 years later, I was in the Washington, D.C., Metro Area again for time with family in December 2024. I met a family that went to the White House grounds to see a display of trees for all 50 states, and I took a cue from them and went to see the displays myself.
The White House is not just the residence and workplace of the President of the United States, but also is a living display of who we are as a country, collecting a treasure trove built by each President of items that speak to the USA. The White House Historical Association does a great job stewarding the history and treasures of the White House, as I've seen through its various offerings, especially on YouTube.
The day after arrival, President Adams wrote to his wife in a letter, "I Pray Heaven To Bestow The Best Of Blessings On This House And All that shall hereafter Inhabit it. May none but Honest and Wise Men ever rule under This Roof.” This quotation is now on a mantel in the White House. May we continue to pray that wise and honest men may humbly acknowledge the important role they take in the office housed in this building.
