Inside the East Wing
Come on in, everyone! Join us in the East Wing of the White House for a behind-the-scenes look at the First Lady’s office.
The First Lady’s Bowl of Apples:
The First Lady’s bowl of apples is a staple of her office in the East Wing. When searching for a healthy snack, visitors, and staff are always welcome to take a bite out of one of these crisp, red apples.
The First Lady encourages families across the country to get active and be healthy through her Let’s Move! initiative, and these apples are just one of the many ways we eat healthy here at the White House.
The White House Easter Egg Roll:
Since 1878, the White House has welcomed children and their families to participate in the annual Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn, but the event itself has changed over the years as the First Families have added their own imprint to the festivities.
Here’s just some of that history: In 1933, Eleanor Roosevelt greeted visitors and listeners alike for the first time over the radio, on a nationwide broadcast. In 1969, Pat Nixon introduced the White House Easter Bunny, usually a staffer dressed in a special rabbit suit. And in 1981, the President and Nancy Reagan hosted a hunt featuring wooden eggs that bore the signatures of actors, actresses, famous politicians, and athletes.
This year, the wooden eggs featured Sunny and Bo, and those eggs are still featured in the First Lady’s office.
The First Lady’s Challenge Coin:
Proudly on display in the First Lady’s office are the challenge coins she has received through Joining Forces, an initiative the First Lady and Dr. Biden launched in 2011 calling all Americans to rally around service members, veterans, and their families. The First Lady even has her own challenge coin honoring the extraordinary individuals she meets through Joining Forces.
Challenge coins have become a trademark of tradition and pride in the military community. Dating back to World War I, challenge coins are widely used throughout the military to commemorate those who go above and beyond the call of service to help others. Behind each and every challenge coin there is a unique story of our military service members and the families and organizations that support them.
Letters to the First Lady
Each year, the First Lady receives thousands of letters — many from young girls and boys who include their original works of art. We proudly put these letters on display as a way to brighten up the East Wing.
If you’d like to send a letter to the First Lady, you can address your mail to:
First Lady Michelle Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20500
Thanks for following along this summer for updates from the East Wing.
