President Kennedy Presents the Presidential Citation of Merit

This photograph is of President Kennedy presenting the Presidential Citation of Merit to diplomat Florence Jaffray Hurst Harriman, in recognition of her distinguished service to the United States. The ceremony took place in the completed Blue Room, part of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy's restoration program, and was photographed by Abbie Rowe on April 18, 1963. The Blue Room is located on the State Floor of the Executive Mansion and is famous for its oval shape, central location, and views of the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial through its South Portico windows.