President Barack Obama hugs retiring White House butler James Ramsey, as First Lady Michelle Obama looks on, in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House, Jan. 25, 2010.
—–Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

Great remark from Mrs. O giving this picture even more context:
Mr. Ramsey side note–he’s worked for the WH for 40 years and was supposed to retire when the Bushes left but wanted to extend working at the WH so that he could serve the Obamas as long as he could. I read last year that several of the scheduled retiring usher staff did the same thing because they’ve been treated so well by the Obamas and really don’t want to retire now….I think stamina may be the only factor for them leaving at this point….I’m sure the pace gets difficult over time. Desiree Rogers said last year in the W. Post that some older staff had tears in their eyes when she was asking for their input, and they told her that no one ever asked that from them before or asked for their opinion.- So this photo puts a lump in my throat as well.
| Commenter Janelle

Good Morning.

TGIF, and spend some of it at JJP.

Drop those links. Engage in debate. Give us trivia and gossip too.

And always, have a peaceful day.

Related Posts with Thumbnails