Memorial Day honors those who served. At the White House, our military history runs deep.
It’s timely to note how central the armed forces have been to the White House’s history, its functioning, and how it projects America on the world stage.
Stewart D. McLaurin
As we pause this Memorial Day to honor the men and women in uniform we have lost, it’s timely to note how central the armed forces have been to the White House’s history, its functioning, and how it projects America on the world stage.
From the veterans whose service propelled them to the presidency to the essential duties and ceremonial support provided by soldiers, sailors and airmen, our military has been a part of the White House since its earliest days.
Out of 45 presidents, 31 have served in a variety of roles and capacities in the armed forces. For some, military distinction helped forge a path to the presidency. Even before there was a White House, George Washington’s service as commander in chief of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War made him the natural choice to become America’s first president.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2024/05/24/memorial-day-military-service-white-house-history/73819017007/
