This photograph of the Ground Floor Corridor was taken by David Wiegold on December 2, 2024 during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden selected "A Season of Peace and Light" as the 2024 holiday theme. For President and Dr. Biden’s final winter holiday season at the White House, the décor was inspired by the spirit of goodwill and gratitude and the festive opening of the doors to the President’s House. The archways of the Ground Floor Corridor – which run the length of the Executive Mansion – were adorned with green garlands and Christmas trees, all decorated with golden ornaments and lights. Two members of the United States Marine Band performed in the Ground Floor Corridor during the press preview.

In this photograph, taken by Matthew D'Agostino for the White House Historical Association on December 1, 2022, the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and the U.S. Air Force Band stand on the South Lawn of the White House during a State Arrival Ceremony held in honor of the State Visit of the president of the French Republic. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden welcomed President Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron, spouse to the president of France, to the White House for the day's events which included the arrival ceremony, a press conference with President Biden and Macron, and, later that evening, a State Dinner. This was Biden's first State Visit as president.

These epaulets were worn by future president George Washington to demonstrate his status in the military. They are made of gold bullion-thread tassels with gilt sequins and twisted bullion bows intermixed. They also have a strap of metallic yarn and a buff wool lining. Epaulets like these served as visual symbols of military rank, indicating order and authority within the Continental Army. For Washington, these decorative shoulder pieces were just one feature of military dress within a system of uniform regulations designed to project professionalism. These epaulets can be seen in portraits painted by American artist Charles Wilson Peale between 1779 and 1780. Washington served as the commander in chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. He served as president from April 30, 1789 until March 4, 1797.

This photograph is of President Harry S. Truman standing with the Marine Guard during a trip to the Little White House in Key West, Florida, taken on November 15, 1947. Among the Marines pictured is Private First Class Michael Hassett, Captain Robert L. Dennison's orderly. As vice president, Truman became president when President Franklin D. Roosevelt died during his fourth term in office in 1945. He was elected president in his own right during the 1948 election, serving from January 20, 1949 to January 20, 1953. During his second term, Truman was the target of an assassination attempt while living in Blair House during a major White House renovation. He served in the Senate prior to his years in the White House.

This postcard studio portrait photo of Harry S. Truman wearing his uniform and helmet was taken in France during World War I. Noted on the reverse of the postcard: "Given to John A. Hatfield in France in 1918 - returned to Harry S. Truman in January, 1962." Truman enlisted for service with the National Guard in 1905. During World War I, Truman served as a captain in the Field Artillery, wearing the standard olive drab, M1910 service uniform: breeches that flared out at the thigh, a single-breasted coat with four front pockets, tall lace-up boots, and a helmet. As vice president, Truman became president when President Franklin D. Roosevelt died during his fourth term in office in 1945. He was elected president in his own right during the 1948 election, serving from January 20, 1949 to January 20, 1953. During his second term, Truman was the target of an assassination attempt while living in Blair House during a major White House renovation. He served in the Senate prior to his years in the White House.

This photograph of the Ground Floor Corridor was taken by David Wiegold on December 2, 2024 during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden selected "A Season of Peace and Light" as the 2024 holiday theme. For President and Dr. Biden’s final winter holiday season at the White House, the décor was inspired by the spirit of goodwill and gratitude and the festive opening of the doors to the President’s House. The archways of the Ground Floor Corridor – which run the length of the Executive Mansion – were adorned with green garlands and Christmas trees, all decorated with golden ornaments and lights.

This photograph of the Ground Floor Corridor was taken by David Wiegold on December 2, 2024 during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden selected "A Season of Peace and Light" as the 2024 holiday theme. For President and Dr. Biden’s final winter holiday season at the White House, the décor was inspired by the spirit of goodwill and gratitude and the festive opening of the doors to the President’s House. The archways of the Ground Floor Corridor – which run the length of the Executive Mansion – were adorned with green garlands and Christmas trees, all decorated with golden ornaments and lights. Two members of the United States Marine Band performed in the Ground Floor Corridor during the press preview.

This photograph of a United States Marine service member at the door to the East Entrance of the White House was taken by David Wiegold on December 2, 2024 during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden selected "A Season of Peace and Light" as the 2024 holiday theme. For President and Dr. Biden’s final winter holiday season at the White House, the décor was inspired by the spirit of goodwill and gratitude and the festive opening of the doors to the People’s House. At the East Entrance, which is where the White House tour began, visitors were welcomed with all things golden: a grand golden starburst above the entrance, golden Christmas tree lights, and golden baubles on wreathes.

This photograph of a United States Marine service member at the door to the East Entrance of the White House was taken by David Wiegold on December 2, 2024 during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden selected "A Season of Peace and Light" as the 2024 holiday theme. For President and Dr. Biden’s final winter holiday season at the White House, the décor was inspired by the spirit of goodwill and gratitude and the festive opening of the doors to the People’s House. At the East Entrance, which is where the White House tour began, visitors were welcomed with all things golden: a grand golden starburst above the entrance, golden Christmas tree lights, and golden baubles on wreathes.

This photograph of a United States Marine service member at the door to the East Entrance of the White House was taken by David Wiegold on December 2, 2024 during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden selected "A Season of Peace and Light" as the 2024 holiday theme. For President and Dr. Biden’s final winter holiday season at the White House, the décor was inspired by the spirit of goodwill and gratitude and the festive opening of the doors to the People’s House. At the East Entrance, which is where the White House tour began, visitors were welcomed with all things golden: a grand golden starburst above the entrance, golden Christmas tree lights, and golden baubles on wreathes.

This photograph of the United States Marine Band performing outside the East Entrance of the White House was taken by David Wiegold on December 2, 2024 during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden selected "A Season of Peace and Light" as the 2024 holiday theme. For President and Dr. Biden’s final winter holiday season at the White House, the décor was inspired by the spirit of goodwill and gratitude and the festive opening of the doors to the People’s House. At the East Entrance, which is where the White House tour began, visitors were welcomed with music as well as all things golden: a grand golden starburst above the entrance, golden Christmas tree lights, and golden baubles on wreathes.

This photograph of a United States Marine service member at the door to the East Entrance of the White House was taken by David Wiegold on December 2, 2024 during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden selected "A Season of Peace and Light" as the 2024 holiday theme. For President and Dr. Biden’s final winter holiday season at the White House, the décor was inspired by the spirit of goodwill and gratitude and the festive opening of the doors to the People’s House. At the East Entrance, which is where the White House tour began, visitors were welcomed with all things golden: a grand golden starburst above the entrance, golden Christmas tree lights, and golden baubles on wreathes.

This photograph of a United States Marine service member at the door to the East Entrance of the White House was taken by David Wiegold on December 2, 2024 during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden selected "A Season of Peace and Light" as the 2024 holiday theme. For President and Dr. Biden’s final winter holiday season at the White House, the décor was inspired by the spirit of goodwill and gratitude and the festive opening of the doors to the People’s House. At the East Entrance, which is where the White House tour began, visitors were welcomed with all things golden: a grand golden starburst above the entrance, golden Christmas tree lights, and golden baubles on wreathes.

This photograph of a United States Marine service member at the door to the East Entrance of the White House was taken by David Wiegold on December 2, 2024 during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden selected "A Season of Peace and Light" as the 2024 holiday theme. For President and Dr. Biden’s final winter holiday season at the White House, the décor was inspired by the spirit of goodwill and gratitude and the festive opening of the doors to the People’s House. At the East Entrance, which is where the White House tour began, visitors were welcomed with all things golden: a grand golden starburst above the entrance, golden Christmas tree lights, and golden baubles on wreathes.

In this photograph by Pete Souza, President Barack Obama returns the salute of Tommie Okabayashi in the Oval Office on February 18, 2014. Okabayashi was one of seven surviving Japanese American World War II veterans President Obama met with that day at the White House. In 2010, President Obama signed into law the legislation passed by Congress to reward the Congressional Gold Medal to the 33,000 second-generation Japanese American soldiers who fought in World War II. The Congressional Gold Medal is among the highest civilian awards given by the United States government.

This photograph of the United States Marine Band performing in the Entrance Hall was taken by David Wiegold on December 2, 2024 during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden selected "A Season of Peace and Light" as the 2024 holiday theme. For President and Dr. Biden’s final winter holiday season at the White House, the décor was inspired by the spirit of goodwill and gratitude and the festive opening of the doors to the President’s House. Decorations featured in the Entrance Hall included a vintage red truck with a stuffed teddy bear behind the wheel, garlands draped over doorways, and several Christmas trees decorated with plaid ornaments.

This photograph of the United States Marine Band performing in the Entrance Hall was taken by David Wiegold on December 2, 2024 during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden selected "A Season of Peace and Light" as the 2024 holiday theme. For President and Dr. Biden’s final winter holiday season at the White House, the décor was inspired by the spirit of goodwill and gratitude and the festive opening of the doors to the President’s House. Decorations featured in the Entrance Hall included a vintage red truck with a stuffed teddy bear behind the wheel, garlands draped over doorways, and several Christmas trees decorated with plaid ornaments.

This photograph of the United States Marine Band performing in the Entrance Hall was taken by David Wiegold on December 2, 2024 during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden selected "A Season of Peace and Light" as the 2024 holiday theme. For President and Dr. Biden’s final winter holiday season at the White House, the décor was inspired by the spirit of goodwill and gratitude and the festive opening of the doors to the President’s House. Decorations featured in the Entrance Hall included a vintage red truck with a stuffed teddy bear behind the wheel, garlands draped over doorways, and several Christmas trees decorated with plaid ornaments. Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Nowlin, the director of the U.S. Marine Band, is pictured by the Entrance Hall's primary Christmas tree.

This photograph was taken at a ceremony held on the South Lawn of the White House in honor of the freed American hostages who were held in Iran. The ceremony, held on January 27, 1981, included a speech by President Ronald Reagan, who was just seven days into his first administration. 66 United States citizens, diplomats, and military personnel were held in the U.S. embassy in Tehran beginning on November 4, 1979 and lasting for 444 days. On January 20, 1981, the remaining 52 hostages still in captivity were finally released.

This portrait photograph of future president Jimmy Carter was taken during his time in the United States Navy. Carter graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1946. He began his military career as an ensign on a submarine and rose to the rank of lieutenant in 1952 before resigning from the Navy upon the death of his father in 1953. The inscription in the bottom right corner is written to Carter's wife and future first lady Rosalynn Carter. It reads, "Darling, I love you with all my heart - for all my life. Jimmy".

This photograph of Lynda Johnson and Capt. Charles S. Robb cutting their wedding cake was taken on December 9, 1967 in the East Room. Per Marine Corps tradition, the couple uses a saber to cut through the five-layer cake, as they become the 15th couple to be married in the White House. Immediately following the cake-cutting ceremony, the couple performed their first dance.

In this photograph by Mary Anne Fackelman, White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier (right) and Executive Chef Henry Haller (left) present a table of thirteen cakes for President Ronald Reagan's 70th birthday party on February 6, 1981 in the East Room of the White House. The top cake is decorated with a blown-sugar horse replica of President Reagan's favorite horse "El Alamein" that was gifted to him by President José López Portillo of the United Mexican States. President Reagan thought the evening was going to entail a dinner with around twenty friends and family members, but First Lady Nancy Reagan turned it into a surprise party and invited over 100 guests. During the celebration in the East Room, guests enjoyed a formal dinner, cake and dessert, and live music by the United States Army Band. This photograph is part of a personal collection belonging to former White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier. Chef Mesnier created elaborate desserts for the White House from 1979 to 2004.

This Mother's Day cake was made by White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier at the request of First Lady Rosalynn Carter for a military wives' get together at Andrews Air Force Base, later known as Joint Base Andrews, in Camp Springs, Maryland on May 11, 1980. The pink heart-shaped strawberry cake was decorated with icing roses, blown-sugar swans, a heart-shaped pastillage (sugar-paste) box and a piped "Happy Mother's Day" message. This photograph is part of a personal collection belonging to former White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier. Chef Mesnier created elaborate desserts for the White House from 1979 to 2004.

This photograph of President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden at a State Arrival Ceremony held in honor of President Emmanuel Macron of the French Republic was taken on December 1, 2022 by Matthew D'Agostino. The State Arrival Ceremony took place on the South Lawn of the White House Grounds ahead of a press conference with President Biden and Macron and, later that evening, a State Dinner. In this photograph, President and Dr. Biden are seen greeting the arrival of the vehicle transporting Macron and Brigitte Macron, spouse to the French president, to the ceremony. This was Biden's first State Visit as president.

This photograph of President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden at a State Arrival Ceremony held in honor of President Emmanuel Macron of the French Republic was taken on December 1, 2022 by Matthew D'Agostino. The State Arrival Ceremony took place on the South Lawn of the White House Grounds ahead of a press conference with President Biden and Macron and, later that evening, a State Dinner. In this photograph, President and Dr. Biden are seen greeting the arrival of the vehicle transporting Macron and Brigitte Macron, spouse to the French president, to the ceremony. This was Biden's first State Visit as president.