It was November of 1993, ten months into President Clinton’s first term in office.  Through a cousin, who worked in the administration, my family was given the honor of meeting President Clinton on the back lawn of the White House.  My family, along with other families of staffers, were set up near the entrance to the Marine One helicopter. 

We watched Hillary, Chelsea and Virginia Clinton Kelley board the aircraft ahead of the President.  The Clinton’s were spending Thanksgiving weekend at Camp David in Maryland.

 Suddenly, the President of the United States appeared around a corner, in position to shake everyone’s hand.  He was a tall and imposing figure.  Mr. Clinton’s famous room-presence was absolutely on display.  I distinctly remember him wearing a black “Member’s Only” jacket. 

Finally, he made his way over to our family. I shook his hand and said, “its an honor to meet you sir.”

He replied “Thank you” in his deep Southern accent. 

After a few minutes, the President boarded the chopper and took off into the Washington sky.  We waved the family off with the sight of the Washington Monument in front of us and the White House behind us.  It was as surreal and patriotic of a moment as one could imagine.