The West Wing Reception with Full-Dress Marine Corps Support

In 1902, President Teddy Roosevelt set in place a plan to alleviate crowded conditions for the presidential Executive Offices. Within six months, the complex of greenhouses that had been built beginning in 1857 were removed, and the new office facility known as the West Wing was built. Although the interior has undergone several renovations, the exterior had remained architecturally unchanged, with the exception of adding the second floor in 1934. The West Wing now holds the Oval Office of the President, the Cabinet Room, Roosevelt Room, the Press Room, and an office for the Vice President. President Richard Nixon requested that the United States Marine Corps provide full-dress support at the entrance of the West Wing Reception Lobby. The 1997 White House Gift Shop official annual ornament is an exceptionally fine piece with its articulated design and its enamel blues, greens, whites, reds, 24KT gold trim, the West Wing holidays and Christmas tree, and two full-dress Marines.