This photograph of decorations in the Vermeil Room was taken by David Wiegold on November 28, 2022 during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden selected "We the People" as the 2022 holiday theme. The decor was inspired by Americans' shared values and sentiments of hope and unity. Decorations in the Vermeil Room were inspired by giving, appreciation, and community. Presents wrapped in festive paper filled the room. Mantels were dressed in garland, handmade beads, and spools of ribbon. Artistic renditions of the Biden's family pets, Commander and Willow, playfully sat atop the holiday gift display and represented unconditional love. The display also featured boxes from Operation Gratitude, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sending care packages to military personnel and families.
Photographer
David Wiegold
Date of Work
November 28, 2022
Type
Photograph
Credit
David Wiegold for the White House Historical Association
Families taking up residence at the White House since the Theodore Roosevelt administration have encountered the public's insatiable appetite for stories of everyday life in the Executive Mansion. With the common reproduction of photographs in newspapers and magazines by the early 20th century, presidential pets had to accept the same scrutiny as their distinguished masters. Whether providing companionship or humanizing
Since the beginning of the American presidency, dogs have often shared a presence in both the first family and the White House. In fact, 30 out of the 44 presidents have had a dog at some point during their respective presidencies. These dogs were not only important in the lives of the presidents and their families, but also to the American public.