25 Days of Giving: Day 17

25 Days of Giving: Day 17

Today our giving led us to the White House.

I had recently read about the Gold Star Family Tree, located in the White House which honors those who gave their lives for us, and thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to give back.  I called my friend Melissa on Friday, very last minute. Melissa works for Mrs. Obama and arranged for us drop off the ornament the girls had chosen as a gift for President Obama’s special tree.

According the White House blog, “Standing in the East Landing, the tree is brightly decorated with special Gold Star ornaments bearing the names of some of America’s greatest heroes—those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.” What a wonderful tribute to these brave men and women who gave their lives for America’s freedom.

Our Patriotic Snowman ornament, carrying the American flag, was delivered by two happy girls, wondering if the President’s daughters would see it. It is always so much fun taking the girls to Washington, driving by our old house (before they were born), visiting the U.S. Senate buildings and Capitol where I worked for many years, the Smithsonian Museums and visiting old friends. The girls were excited to see the White House, as we haven’t taken them by during our last few visits.  They peeked through the big iron gates, trying to get the best view of the White House, which was beautifully decorated for the holidays with wreaths and garland. (I made a mental note to try and request an inside tour prior to our next visit. They would love it, I know.)

As we waited to meet Alison, the intern in my friend's office who was meeting us, I asked the girls what they thought about today’s giving and if it was important:

“The Tree is a nice way to remember the soldiers,” said my youngest.

“President Obama works so hard for everyone. First for four years, and now he is going to be helping everyone for another four. So it’s nice for someone to bring a gift for him, too” added her sister. “To thank him for working so hard.”

Soon a bubly young woman waved to us as she neared, introducing herself as Alison. She was very sweet, and thanked the girls for bringing the ornament, which she said she would give to the President. We talked to Alison for a while, took some pictures and gave her a hug as she left to go back to work.

What a fun morning, showing the girls a bit of Washington and giving back, before we headed back to Connecticut!