When Laura Welch was in school in Midland she was one of the nicest persons anyone could ever hope to meet. Now she's First Lady Laura Bush, and she's still not only a very classy lady, a nice person and a super human being, but she's an important person who brings a lot of good to the world.
And this past weekend she hosted her old classmates, the 1964 graduates of Midland High School, Lee High School and Carver High School, in a high school reunion we will never forget.
Friday, March 28, we were invited to the White House for a tour and the opportunity to watch the President's helicopter land on the White House lawn. Although we've all seen it before on tv, it's truly inspiring to see this and to watch the President disembark and walk right in front of us. He gave a big Texas "Howdy" wave, and we all cheered.
And the First Lady came out, shook a few hands, gave a few hugs, and left us in awe.
Saturday night was the big event at the White House, and we arrived, all 500 of us, in taxis, limos and buses. I hitched a ride in a limo, and as we approached the White House, tourists snapped our photos as if we were important. (Ha, we sure fooled them!)
There was a terrific buffet, lots of wine and drink, a band, and lots of picture snapping people acting like kids in a candy store. By golly, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity!
I had to sympathize with the President and First Lady. There was a receiving line at which each person who attended could have his/her photo taken with the President and First Lady. It must have been exhausting for them. It took hours, and I'm sure they appreciated all the advice they probably got from some of their long winded classmates.
What a time!
Updated 4/1/08: The Midland Reporter-Telegram's reporter Ruth Campbell wrote a nice story about the class reunion. Click to read it.
And here's an an interview at KWES9.com.
Even as one of "them," a Democrat living in of all places New York City, I must say, it was, and will always be, one of the most incredible experiences of my lifetime.
Bruce Bartley
MHS '64
Posted by: Bruce Bartley | March 31, 2008 at 11:50 PM
Bruce, I'm glad people could put their politics aside for this. It was a fabulous event.
Posted by: Geo | April 01, 2008 at 06:18 AM
It is a nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there. I spent the afternoon there for a Medal of Honor ceremony last year. Surprisingly, after the ceremony and during the reception, we mostly had the unescorted run of two floors. I got some great pictures. Your trip sounded great....I know a couple of the other attendees.
Posted by: Wallace | April 03, 2008 at 11:21 PM
Yes indeed, Wallace, it was a great trip.
Posted by: Geo | April 04, 2008 at 03:23 PM
Great Post,Awesome Work Dude
Regards
Billy
Posted by: Passed Saliva Drug Test | November 02, 2009 at 04:39 AM
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Posted by: GHD Straightener | November 28, 2010 at 09:42 AM