White House Reception: A New Year's Day Tradition
Which statement best expresses the author's
perspective in "White House Reception: A New Year's
Day Tradition"?
The biggest accomplishment of Theodore
a Roosevelt was that he shook 8,510 hands in
one day
To shake the hand of the president of the United States is something most
people would consider an honor. It is also something that most people never
have a chance to do. Our third president, Thomas Jefferson, started a
presidential tradition of shaking hands that lasted well over one hundred years.
He invited certain important people to the White House and shook their hands
as part of a New Year's Day reception. The reception, with its opportunity to
meet the president, soon became a highlight for leaders in Washington, D. C.;
foreign diplomats; and members of high society.
Theodore Roosevelt had certain qualities that
O made him an impressive person and
president
After the reception that was held in 1932, most
people lost interest in visiting the White
House
When Theodore Roosevelt became president in 1901, however, the tradition
took on new meaning. Roosevelt firmly believed that all people should get the
chance to shake his hand. This policy peaked on New Year's Day in 1907,
when President Roosevelt shook 8,510 hands, setting a record that would last
until 1977
It should be easier for ordinary people to
shake the hand of the president of the United
States.
Several hours before the White House gates were scheduled to open, people
were already lined up outside. Ambassadors from various countries, military
personnel, and members of the government entered first. Once they had met
the president, the common folk were ushered across the courtyard and into the
White House. The long line of peo wound its way to an oval reception area
called the Blue Room.
Page 1/5