Main Content

Introducing The Official 2019 White House Christmas Ornament

The White House Historical Association's Official 2019 White House Christmas Ornament honors Dwight D. Eisenhower, the thirty-fourth president of the United States. This ornament is designed to honor President Eisenhower's trait as an innovator. Eisenhower was the first president to fly in a helicopter while in office in June 1957, and thereafter the helicopter became a feature of White House life. It was often used by the president to commute short distances, demonstrating to the public and indeed the world that it was safe. This ornament's design also honors President Eisenhower's example of fairness. As the first president to regularly use a helicopter, he had two Executive Flight Detachments for his transport. These were provided by flight crews of the United States Army and the United States Marine Corps. To demonstrate his impartiality, the president alternated between these helicopters and their respective military personnel.

Credit
White House Historical Association