GETTY IMAGES
As in 2007 (above), the South Lawn was to be set to welcome guests to the 2001 Congressional Picnic. On the morning of September 11, 2001, most of the Residence staff were fully occupied with the preparations when the terrorist attacks began. By 9:35 a.m. the staff reversed course and rushed to clear the tables from the lawn. Moments later they felt the ground shake as terrorists crashed a third plane, hitting the Pentagon.
even tragedies. They experience national events firsthand. Through it all, they remain committed to the first family, every first family, regardless of political party. But in two centuries of White House history, there has never been an event like 9/11. About a year later, some members of the Executive Residence staff shared their memories with me. The following are some excerpts—their recollections, thoughts, and feelings about working at the White House through this traumatic day in the nation’s history. Twenty years later, as these memories are shared, many from the Executive Residence staff who were there that day have moved on, retired, or passed away.
WE FELT THE GROUND SHAKE Tuesday, September 11, 2001, was already a busy day at the White House, early in the morning. Most of the staff and contractors throughout the building and grounds were preparing for the Congressional Picnic, a festive annual event for members of
Congress and their families, with food and musical entertainment on the White House South Lawn. At 9:35 a.m., approximately fifty minutes after the first plane crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center, Chief Usher Gary Walters decided to clear the 150 picnic tables that had been set up for the afternoon event. He predicted the White House social secretary would cancel the picnic, and he needed to prepare for what he expected would be President George W. Bush’s early return from Florida, where he was visiting an elementary school. Marine One would need to land on the South Grounds that day. Houseman Bernard Ward was busy with his usual task of cleaning the Truman Balcony, off the Second Floor of the White House. This outdoor area, enjoyed by first families since its completion in 1948, affords a spectacular view of the South Grounds, with the Jefferson Memorial in the distance. Ward remembered seeing a plane coming toward the White House but pulling away minutes before the Pentagon was hit.
white house history quarterly
65