As we proceeded down the jet way, I could see the President, Mrs. Bush and their daughter Jenna preparing to move from the Distinguished Visitor lounge at Andrews Air Force Base.

The plan to meet the Holy Father was to walk down the red carpet towards the plane as he moved down the jet way. It all worked perfectly and the President and Mrs. Bush introduced him to delegation. As the Holy Father descended steps the crowd erupted in a cheering roar and then there was almost stillness as if everyone realized this was an historic moment. As a person who has been fortunate to lead a movement in my prior and private capacity life, I could feel the mood and the adoration of the crowd. Hardly any of us had a dry eye! It was very moving.

Wednesday morning started very early for the Protocol department. Our team headed by Bryan Langley was very involved along with the White House staff and advance teams to prepare for the South Lawn Ceremony at the White House. The morning was sunny and weather looked really good and we all breathed a sigh of relief. My day started with early morning television interviews including Fox News Channel's Fox and Friends and CNN International.

Later that morning as we entered the White House grounds the more than 10,000 participants and guests were entered the grounds of the South Lawn. The various teams involved in the event were all rehearsing, finalizing last minute details and walking through movements and scenarios…..all but Secret Service who were, as always, well positioned in very strategic places.

When I first arrived at the White House, I participated in a walk-thru of the exact path the Holy Father would take as he entered in his motorcade to the White House Grounds. Also participating in the walk-thru were members of the Vatican Embassy, the members of the Archdiocese of Washington and the great assembly of delegates from the Holy See. Before the ceremony began, there was a diplomatic reception with Secretary Rice, Cabinet members and leaders of the House and the Senate for the Delegation of the Holy See.

Outside on the White House Lawn the crowd grew and the bands played. The Holy Father arrived by motorcade to the circular drive on the South Lawn at the White House and was met by President and Mrs. Bush. President Bush escorted His Holiness to the reviewing platform and the program began. The crowd cheered and erupted into a chorus of Happy Birthday, as Wednesday was the 81st birthday of the Holy Father. The program was dignified and moving. There was a 21-Gun Salute, the National Anthem of the Holy See, the National Anthem of the United States, a Musical Troop review, a beautiful musical rendition of The Lord's Prayer and remarks by President Bush and His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. At the conclusion of the ceremony the Battle Hymn of the Republic was sung and the crowd joined in by waving their U.S. and Vatican flags.

After the ceremony, we re-entered the White House where the Holy Father was introduced to the entire U.S. and Catholic delegation and took pictures. Then President and Mrs. Bush had a birthday cake for him and we all sang Happy Birthday.

The President then walked the Holy Father to the Oval Office for a meeting between the two leaders.

At the conclusion of the meeting as we watched the Holy Father get into his Popemobile, we broke out in smiles and satisfaction that this portion of the visit went as well as could humanly be done.

The ceremony, the day, and the words of the speeches were harmonious and full of hope and inspired us all.

This successful visit is due to the hard-working staff in the Protocol Office and I would like to recognize each one who has been involved with the visit. Many thanks to Bryan Langley, Tanya Turner, Dean Lewis, Ray Martinez, Charity Wallace, Tiffany Divis, Matthew Wendel, Jessie Johnson, Christine Hathaway, Penny Price, Jennifer Nicholson, Yale Scott, Katy Ballenger Mitarai, Walter Rhinehart, Thomas Rathburn and Emery Webb.