On December 3, Gold Star Maryland Chapter members were invited to attend the Holiday Open House at The White House. Maryland Gold Star Mothers Basmattie Bishundat, Janice Chance, Paula Davis, Khadidja Keita, Donna Robinson, Lauren Seidler and Gold Star Dad Zoumana Keita attended the Holiday Open House. The White House was beautifully decorated. The official White House tree, an 18½-foot concolor fir from a farm in Pennsylvania, reaches from floor to ceiling in the Blue Room, decorated with handmade birds from all 50 states as well as the six U.S. territories and D.C. The theme this year is We the People. The theme of We the People recognizes the profound impact of those who came before us.
The first Christmas trees featured on the White House tour are adorned with mirrored Gold Star ornaments that are inscribed with the names of fallen service members. Each of the ornaments is inscribed with the name of a fallen service member or missing in action. The Gold Star trees honor the heroic men and women of our Nation’s military who have laid down their lives for our country, those who are Missing in Action, and the families who carry on their legacies. The Gold Star Trees honor our troops’ acts of heroism.
The bells that adorn the East Entrance of the White House symbolize the unifying and healing power of music, welcoming guests with melody and song. Holiday greenery and red cardinals line the columns and beams of the East Wing Lobby. Winter trees, handmade woodland animals, and glowing lanterns line the journey down the East Colonnade, evoking the feelings of peace and tranquility after the first snowfall. The People’s House was over the top beautiful and transformed into a beautiful winter wonderland! It truly was a memorable evening.
