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East Room Historical Photo Essay
With a portrait of America's first General and first President hanging in the background, President George W. Bush and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld congratulate military re-enlistees in an event held in the East Room May 23, 2001. Congress purchased the portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart for the White House in 1800.
With a portrait of America's first General and first President hanging in the background, President George W. Bush and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld congratulate military re-enlistees in an event held in the East Room May 23, 2001. Congress purchased the portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart for the White House in 1800.
 
Joined by members of Congress and 15 American families in the East Room June 7, 2001, President George W. Bush signs the Tax Relief Act, which provides Americans with across-the-board tax cuts. Side by side, President George H.W. Bush and Russian President Yeltsin sign seven trade treaties in the East Room June 17, 1992. The treaties removed barriers to trade that had evolved during the Cold War. The United States also granted Russia most-favored-nation status in trade relations for the first time in more than four decades.
With a portrait of America's first General and first President hanging in the background, President George W. Bush and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld congratulate military re-enlistees in an event held in the East Room May 23, 2001. Congress purchased the portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart for the White House in 1800. This drawing by Alfred Waud shows Lincoln's coffin resting on a catafalque in the East Room of the White House April 18, 1865. Because he and other artists were not allowed to attend the funeral, Waud viewed the casket before the funeral and included Mrs. Lincoln, who did not attend the service, in his drawing.
President and Mrs. Bush highlight the importance of early childhood education in an East Room event April 3, 2002. Following their remarks, PBS KIDS characters from Sesame Street, Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood and Between the Lions entertained the audience. Surrounded by his family and staff, President Richard Nixon says goodbye as he leaves office August 9, 1974.
Students from the Duke Ellington School of Arts perform for the President at the Celebration of African-American Music, History and Culture in the East Room May 28, 2002. Former President Harry Truman tickles the ivories for President and Mrs. Kennedy in the East Room November 1, 1961.

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