BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
On June 11, 1951, President Harry S. Truman officially created a unit of the United States Navy dedicated to providing culinary services to the Commander in Chief and the First Family. Over the past 75 years, the service members of the Presidential Food Service have consistently displayed exceptional skill, military precision, and steadfast dedication in serving the Nation’s highest office.
The tradition of employing Navy cooks for the Commander in Chief began in 1880 when stewards were tasked with preparing meals for President Rutherford B. Hayes on the Presidential yacht, USS Despatch. This practice continued informally until it became an official mission for the Navy to offer food services at the White House.
Members chosen for the Presidential Food Service manage the White House Navy Mess, a comprehensive executive dining room in the West Wing of the White House, catering to the President, senior Administration officials, and distinguished guests. Their duties extend well beyond the Mess, including event catering, logistics, valet services, and preparing meals during Presidential trips worldwide.
Since its establishment, the Presidential Food Service has earned numerous accolades, including the Joint Meritorious Unit Awards, the Navy Unit Commendation, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation for outstanding service in direct support of the President. These honors underscore the high culinary standards, meticulous attention to detail, and camaraderie among the top-tier service members involved in this prestigious mission.
As we commemorate this significant milestone, the First Lady joins me in honoring the outstanding men and women of the Presidential Food Service. For 75 years, the finest culinary specialists from America’s Armed Forces have been vital to White House operations, upholding a legacy of integrity, excellence, and devotion to duty that has been a hallmark of our military for over 250 years.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby declare June 11, 2026, as a day to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the White House Navy Mess and to honor the dedicated food service professionals throughout our Armed Forces.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand this eleventh day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.
DONALD J. TRUMP
