Lithuania is admitted to NATO

After President Bush visited Lithuania (Vaiva's role mentioned below) the Baltic states were granted membership in NATO, which they had long sought. We never dreamed that the alliance could be created so soon, in March 2004. A ceremony for the new NATO members was held on the White House lawn, invitation only. Vaiva got an invite, I got one as her guest. The trip, the whole experience, was great.

Vaiva was with the VIPs, I was with the rest of the rabble and the press. Ironically, I had the better view, as the VIPs were off to the side.

This photo of us was taken by Asta Banonis after the ceremony was concluded, in a section of the White House grounds normally off limits to the public.