Sunday January 11, 2009 3:50pm
As we pulled up to the guard at the entrance to the Ellipse parking area, I couldn’t help but notice all the tents erected across the grassy area in preparation for inauguration day. After entering the Ellipse area, I noticed the crew of workers diligently working at their tasks under the tents. Proceeding to the gatehouse on Executive Drive I spotted the police motorcycles preparing for a motorcade. We could only speculate who might be on the move as we began to notice the security detail all dressed in black at various points around us. As we proceeded to walk the sidewalk, the iron gate opened and the motorcade proceeded toward us. We stopped out of curiosity to witness who was riding in this limo. It turned out to be Dick Cheney. Guess he was working on Sunday just like those on Capitol Hill today. Wonder if he was cleaning out his office too?!?
Over the years I have spent numerous Sunday afternoons at the White House in the West Wing, but today was the busiest I have seen it. Normally Sundays are very quiet with few folks found inside their offices or walking the halls. Today was very different with boxes packed full of items from offices being carried out by staffers, groups of interns posing together for photos to capture those lasting memories of their time at the White House.
Even the press briefing room was overflowing not with press, but rather interns with their friends seated together and standing in front of the President’s podium for those photo op moments.
Out on the North Lawn, one lone White House correspondent was broadcasting for her network, but the view of the review stand for the inaugural parade could not be missed as it loomed very large and lit up outside the fence surrounding the White House property. Turning back to face the White House you could see into the offices of the West Wing as the lights were all on and folks were busy inside continuing the transition out of this President’s administration. Bookshelves were barren and some desks were already empty.
Inside the Oval office, it took a minute to register what was different. I kept looking around the room and then I realized. The top of the Resolute desk was empty!! Out in the hallway leading to the Rose Garden, where photos of President Bush with heads of state used to hang on the walls, now have been replaced with photos of major events that have highlighted his time as our President to include Sept. 11 and Hurricane Katrina.
As we departed the White House grounds we realized our next visit would be under the new administration and we couldn’t help but to speculate about what changes to the decor that might bring with it.
Ruby Brabo
Information about reaching the District from Va. for the inauguration.
Comments