Last known picture of Abraham Lincoln

[L Verge]

I had a similar experience with George W. Bush. I was appointed to the advisory board of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission by President Clinton, but President Bush was the one who held a reception for the Commission members and the board. The President was out of the White House during the reception, but we were treated to elegant food and performances by the Marine Band until the message came that Marine One would be landing on the south lawn.

We went out onto the Truman Balcony to watch the landing, and the President joined us shortly in the East Room and spoke just to the side of that wonderful Lincoln portrait. After talking with us, he shook a number of hands as he left the room - and I was one of the lucky ones.