Aerial View of the Statue of Liberty

This photograph, taken by White House Executive Chef Henry Haller on July 4, 1986, provides an aerial view of the Statue of Liberty surrounded by a parade of warships and tall-mast ships participating in "Operation Sail," an international sailing event held in conjunction with the centennial of the Statue of Liberty. Chef Haller took this photograph from inside the helicopter during his journey to deliver food for a luncheon on Governors Island, New York, also held to celebrate the Statue of Liberty centennial. Present at the luncheon were President Ronald Reagan, First Lady Nancy Reagan, President François Mitterrand of France, his wife, Danielle Mitterrand, and 28 additional guests. The White House culinary team, including Haller, White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier, and chef Frank Ruta, prepared the food in the White House Kitchen and transported it to New York by Marine Corps helicopter. Chef Haller traveled with the food and enjoyed breathtaking views of New York Harbor. Despite the bumps and turns of the helicopter, the food remained intact. This photograph is part of a collection belonging to White House Executive Chef Henry Haller. Haller served as executive chef at the White House from 1966-1987.