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	Senator Kennedy invites me to the Patriots White House Ceremony
Click HERE for the home page of Patriotglory.com		Click HERE to read Senator Kennedy's write up

Senator Kennedy and I outside the West Wing entrance. Photo taken by White House Staff member.

As a Veteran, it is always a dream to be invited to the White House, and as Patriots Fan of the Year, it is a dream to be there with the Pats when the President of the United States congratulates the team for their Super Bowl victory. Thanks to Senator Kennedy this dream became a reality. (Note: Use the scroll bar on the right to see more text and pictures.)

I will never forget when a Senior Staff Member called me on behalf of Senator Kennedy and invited me to the Patriots White House ceremony. It was then, that my heart rate tripled and my blood pressure shattered the mercury tube. I immediately called my boss, who was on vacation, and asked for the day off. I then called the Staff Member back and gratefully accepted his offer. Next, I scrambled to get airline tickets. Most were priced so high, I needed a platinum card to get onto the plane. Fortunately I found a very reasonable price, and within hours, I was off to DC. On my way there, I honestly thought I would go to the White House Visitor's Entrance, show my ID, and I would be let in, and have a seat in the back row. Little did I realize, that was farthest from the truth. Senator Kennedy was a very gracious host, and I could not have been more impressed by the way he treated me.

Upon my arrival, I called a friend of mine who works at the Veteran's Administration. I had not seen her in a while, and whereas she is helping Veterans, I had to stop by. I then took the Metro to Senator Kennedy's office where his staff warmly greeted me. They were very friendly and genuinely interested in meeting me. After the introductions and talking to them, one staff member was kind enough to take me on a tour of the Capitol. And I did not need my coat for the walk. Instead, I was treated to a special trip via the underground electric car to the Capitol which is closed to the general public, and only accessible to members of Congress of their staff. (Note: You can request tours, in advance, of the Capitol from your State's Senator or Representative. They will gladly accommodate you.)

While on the tour, my tour guide pointed out numerous items of interest about the Capitol. Once the tour was completed, we returned to Senator Kennedy's office, and there, my idea of the afternoon's schedule changed. The Senior Staff Member who contacted me via phone informed me that I would be riding with Senator Kennedy to the White House. Yes, I was surprised and quite thrilled. The Senior Staff Member walked me over to where his drive was, and a few moments later, Senator Kennedy appeared.

The Senior Staff Member introduced us, we shook hands, and I told him it was an honor and pleasure. And it was. Anytime an United States Senator takes time out of his schedule to speak with you is an honor. Even more so, when the same Senator takes you (along with his driver) to the White House to listen to the President speak. We entered the vehicle and off to the White House we went, and along the way, we talked about sports, Massachusetts, and other items of interest. He is extremely personable, very knowledgeable, and incredibly friendly. Upon arriving at the White House, Senator Kennedy was kind enough to take a picture with me outside the West Wing. (Pictured above.) He pointed out interesting aspects about the White House, and then we proceeded to enter the West Wing. It was here that my anaphylactic shock began to kick in. I was honored just to be in the presence of Senator Kennedy and ride with him to the White House; but, to have him escort me inside the White House, was incomprehensible.

As we walked down the halls of the West Wing, I was awestruck. Even more so, when Senator Kennedy pointed to the door that led to the Oval Office. Here I was, a guest of a distinguished United States Senator, and in the same White House where President after President resided. For the first time in life, I was speechless. He then led me to the door that led to the Rose Garden where the Media and guests were in position to await the President's arrival. Senator Kennedy then led me over to the Super Bowl trophies, so I could have my picture taken with them. I was in heaven. And just when I thought things could not get any better, Senator Kennedy surprised me again.

Senator Kennedy and I with the 3 Super Bowl Trophy. Photo taken by White House Staff Member

After the picture with the trophies, Senator Kennedy and I talked some more, and he then introduced me to more politicians and guests. He then led me to the podium, and introduced me to two more people, which you will see in the picture below; but, what impressed me more than anything, was that he took the picture! He told me to give him the camera, get on the podium, and he took the picture I was amazed. To be invited was one thing, but to have him introduce me to everyone, and then take a picture of me, was over and beyond any of my wildest dreams.

Coach Bill Belichick, Owner Robert Kraft, and me on the podium behind the Oval Office, after Senator Kennedy introduced us. Photo taken by Senator Kennedy.

Senator Kennedy then led me to my seat, where I sat down next to the voice of the Patriots, Gil Santos. Gil was phenomenal to talk to, and when I recognized his American Legion pin, I was very impressed, and began talking about the military to him. It was interesting to learn that we both did Basic Training at the same base.

Picture of me in the Rose Garden minutes before the ceremony. Photo taken by Gil Santos.

An announcement announced the ceremony was about to begin; thus, I raced back to my seat, and thanked Gil for taking my picture. Regrettably, I was unable to get a picture next to him, as the ceremony started. President Bush came out, greeted everyone in attendance, and began his speech. Right off the bat, he cracked a joke. "I was thinking that Coach Belichick was so comfortable coming to the Rose Garden that he might just wear one of those designer sweatshirts. I'm a little disappointed. I'm glad to see you own a tie, though." Naturally the crowd erupted in laughter. Toward the end of his speech, President Bush while nodding to Senator Kerry stated, "I, once again, welcome you back. You know, I think I said last time there's a chance you'll be back. I wasn't sure about me."

President Bush addresses all in attendance with the team in the background. Photo taken by me.

After the ceremony ended, Senator Kennedy then introduced me to more politicians and guests, and then introduced me to a few players. Once again, due to his kindness, these pictures are available. After all, he took them!!!!!

Photo of Tedy Bruschi and I after Senator Kennedy introduced us. Photo taken by Senator Kennedy.

Photo of Tom Brady and I after Senator Kennedy introduced us. Photo taken by Senator Kennedy.

After I met Tom Brady, we met some more players, and then both Senator Kennedy and I drove back to the Capitol where Senate business awaited. I thanked him wholeheartedly again for his kindness, and he offered to autograph any pictures I wanted when I had them developed.

Even as I write this, I still have not come to fully realize what has transpired over the last twenty four hours. Due to Senator Kennedy's extreme generosity, I was able to meet him and spend quite some time with him, take a private tour of the Capitol, enter the White House, sit in the Rose Garden during President Bush's speech, and meet many politicians and Patriot players. And I would have never captured this on film, if it were not for Senator Kennedy taking the pictures. And that is really the most unbelievable part of the story. During the entire time I was there, Senator Kennedy was looking out for me, introducing me to everyone there, and ensuring I had the best seat in the house. Each time, he introduced me, he asked for my camera, and took the picture. Once again, words can not convey my appreciation for all that he did for me. I am truly grateful.

Note: The pictures may appear grainy due to the pixel reduction. Pixel reduction was done to ensure rapid loading of pictures. I will be more than happy to send a "full" picture without any reduction if requested. I can be reached here: e-mail (By clicking the word e-mail, it will open your default e-mail with my address in the to column.)