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by Young Reporter Murphy Roberts, Fifth Grade
February is more than just celebrating love with hearts, candy and flowers. It is the month we honor all the U.S. Presidents, past and present. Presidents Day is an American holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February. This holiday was originally established in 1885 to recognize President George Washington. As the first federal holiday to honor an American citizen, the holiday was celebrated on Washington’s actual birthday, February 22.
“Washington’s Birthday” became popularly known as Presidents Day in 1971, after the date was moved to the third Monday in February. The date was changed in attempt to create more three day weekends for the nation’s workers. To set the record straight, this holiday is not actually Presidents Day. It is still known as Washington’s Birthday, according to the Federal Government. By the mid-1980’s, with a push from advertisers, the term “Presidents Day” began its public appearance. While several states still have individual holidays honoring the birthdays of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and other Presidential leaders, Presidents Day is now popularly viewed as a day to celebrate all United States presidents past and present.
The motorcade was impressive, with at least 28 vehicles to transport the President and his staff.
On Thursday, February 16, 2012, I had the opportunity to meet our 44nd President, Barack Hussein Obama II. The meeting and photo op was by invitation only. My day began with an early dismissal from Corona Creek Elementary School. It was a clear and sunny day when my mom and I drove down to a private air station near the San Francisco airport. I was nervous and excited. As soon as we arrived, we were sent to special room. In the room there were about 40 people anxiously waiting the President’s arrival. After waiting for over an hour, we were all escorted outside, screened through security, and placed on a bus headed to a staging area to watch for Air Force One, the Presidential aircraft. While waiting for Air Force One, I met the Mayor of San Francisco, along with the Attorney General and Lieutenant Governor of California. There were Secret Service agents and snipers stationed all around the area. The motorcade was impressive, with at least 28 vehicles to transport the President and his staff. The news media had their cameras ready for action. To pass the time, an officer spoke to the crowd, telling us many interesting facts about Air Force One.
It took more than ten minutes after Air Force One landed for the President to exit the plane. When President Obama stepped out of the plane, he waved to the crowd and everyone clapped and cheered. Then, he walked down to meet and greet the crowd.
Talking with him made me realize, he is just a normal American like me.
I was able to meet President Obama, look him in the eye, shake his hand, and have a brief conversation with him. He asked me my name, my age, what grade I was in, and where I went to school. During our conversation, he encouraged me to study hard and make good grades.
Meeting President Obama was an honor, but talking with him made me realize, he is just a normal American like me. President Obama was a graduate of Columbia and Harvard Law School. He is a 52 year old husband and father. He has been married to his wife, Michelle, for 22 years and his 2 daughters are just a few years older than me. At the same time he is one of the most important men in the world.
This experience was one of the most exciting days of my life. It is not every day I get to hang out with the President of the United States. It is definitely a day I will never forget.
Air Force One
Most of the world recognizes ‘Air Force One’ as a blue and white Boeing 747, but the term ‘Air Force One’ is actually a call sign of any US Air Force aircraft carrying the President of the United States. The plane most commonly referred to as ‘Air Force One’ is the most celebrated aircraft on earth. Its main mission is to transport and protect the President of the United States of America.
Actually, there are two highly modified 747s used for ‘Air Force One’, just in case a backup is needed. Both models are practically identical, except for their tail numbers of 28000 and 29000. Both have the frame of a 747, but have been reengineered from the wheels up. They have been designed to serve as an aerial bunker for the President. These planes can travel at nearly supersonic speed of 630 miles per hour and can be refueled in midair. In-flight refueling gives ‘Air Force One’ the ability to stay up in the air indefinitely. There are four engines on each plane. These planes are designed to withstand an air attack. They are outfitted with electronic counter measures to jam enemy radar and eject flares to throw heat seeking missiles off course. The cost for both planes was approximately $650,000,000. These matchless airplanes are second to none.
‘Air Force One’ is as tall as a 6 story building and as long as a football field. It has a wingspan of 195 feet and 8 inches. There is 4,000 square feet of interior space. This aircraft seats 70 passengers and has 21 crew members. Each new President gets a new pilot. The pilot must be extremely skilled. He has to be able to land ‘Air Force One’ no matter what the weather conditions. A doctor and nurse make up the crew. There is even an operating room on the plane, just in case of an emergency. Five gourmet chefs also travel aboard the plane. There are two restaurants that are equipped to feed about 100 people. The plane stores enough food for approximately 2,000 meals. The chefs and crew keep record of who likes to eat what type of food. Passengers can order anything from steak to macaroni and cheese.
To step onto Air Force One requires top level security. On Air Force One there are no photos or videos without special permission. The upper deck of Air Force One is used as the communication room, also known as the President’s Global Command Center. The front of AFO serves as private quarters for the President and his family. It has two couches that transform into beds. Next to the Presidents private quarters is an “Oval Office In The Sky” where meetings are held. Further along the aircraft, are meeting rooms with work stations and fax machines. Air Force One has anti-missile defense capabilities. While onboard, the President and his staff can govern the entire country. Often times, Air Force One is known as “The Flying White House.”
It takes many people to make sure ‘Air Force One’ is safe. As soon as the plane lands, a security team fans out to protect the perimeter of the aircraft. Immediately, the crew begins prepping the plane for immediate take off just in case of emergency. When the President travels, he takes many things with him. Separate cargo planes carry the President’s motorcade and fly ahead of ‘Air Force One’. It only makes sense that such an incredible aircraft would be used to transport one of the most import people in the world.
