Program for Dinner in Honor of Melvin R. Laird

This is an entertainment program for a dinner hosted by President Richard M. Nixon in honor of former Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird, and his wife, Barbara Laird, on March 26, 1974. After the dinner in the State Dining Room, guests transitioned to the East Room for entertainment by the United States Naval Academy Glee Club. Following the entertainment, President Nixon presented Laird with the Medal of Freedom. A former congressman from Wisconsin, Laird had served President Nixon as secretary of defense (1969-1973) and as counselor to the president on domestic affairs (1973-1974). This program is part of a personal collection belonging to former White House Executive Chef Henry Haller. As executive chef from 1966-1987, Haller oversaw the menus for many formal dinners at the White House.