President Joe Biden joined his wife, first lady Jill Biden, on Friday for a Christmas season visit to Children’s National Hospital to meet young patients and their families. The first lady read the children “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” as the president waved and flashed smiles at the children and their family members. President Biden also thanked the hospital staff for their work and encouraged the children and their parents to “keep the faith.”
Quick Read
- Bidens’ Visit to Children’s National Hospital:
- Occasion: Christmas season visit.
- Activities: First Lady Jill Biden read “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” to young patients.
- President’s Role: Engaged with children and families, expressed gratitude to hospital staff.
- Tradition Continuation:
- Historical Context: 81-year annual tradition by presidents’ wives.
- Origin: Started by First Lady Bess Truman.
- Purpose: Bringing holiday cheer to children unable to be home for Christmas.
- President Biden’s Participation:
- Consistency: Joined the First Lady for the third consecutive year.
- Remarks: Encouraged children and parents to keep faith and hinted at a future White House visit.
- Upcoming Plans:
- Destination: Presidential retreat at Camp David, Maryland.
- Duration: Through Christmas Day.
The Associated Press has the story:
Bidens make traditional pre-Christmas visit to children’s hospital
Newslooks- WASHINGTON (AP)
President Joe Biden joined his wife, first lady Jill Biden, on Friday for a Christmas season visit to Children’s National Hospital to meet young patients and their families.
The first lady read the children “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” as the president waved and flashed smiles at the children and their family members. President Biden also thanked the hospital staff for their work and encouraged the children and their parents to “keep the faith.”
“Next Christmas when I see you, maybe I’ll see you at the White House,” Biden told the children.
The visit continued an 81-year annual tradition, that dates back to first lady Bess Truman, of presidents’ wives bringing holiday cheer to children who are too ill to be at home on Christmas. President Biden has joined his wife at Children’s National during her holiday visit each of the last three years.
The Bidens on Saturday are scheduled to travel to the presidential retreat at Camp David, Md., where they will stay through Christmas Day.
