Regardless of party affiliation, one of the most treasured items in many families is the birthday or anniversary greeting a parent or grandparent received from the President of the United States. I've seen a 50th Anniversary Greeting from President Clinton proudly framed and displayed in the home of a pair of die-hard Republicans. Neither one of them would have voted for a Democrat if their very lives depended on it, yet they were proud to display their Greeting from their President. A certain older Democrat sneers at the very idea, yet keeps his birthday card from the president casually out on a table where it's certain to be seen by every visitor.

These birthday and anniversary greetings mean a lot to the people who receive them. Not everyone is lucky enough to qualify, so they are special.

If you'd like to see that someone you love gets one in time for an important birthday or anniversary, you need to start early.

Here's how to go about it:

You can submit greeting requests - 

By Fax to:

(202) 395-1232

By Mail To:

The White House

Attn: Greetings Office

Washington, D.C. 20502-0039

or by White House Web Mail.

Here are the guidelines for receiving a birthday or anniversary greeting:

1. U.S. Citizens Only

The White House will send greetings to United States citizens only, for special occasions as outlined below;

2. Advance Notice Required

Your request must be received six (6) weeks in advance of the event date. The White House makes every effort to honor every request, but cannot guarantee a greeting if this guideline is not met;

3. Anniversary Greetings

Anniversary greetings are extended only to those couples who are celebrating their 50th (and subsequent) wedding anniversary;

4. Birthday Greetings

Birthday greetings will be sent only to individuals 80 years of age and above.

Include the following information with your request:

1.Name and home address of honoree/s    

2.Form of address (Mr., Ms., Mrs., Dr., Miss, etc.)

3.Exact date of occasion (month, day, year)

4.Age (birthdays) or number of years of marriage

5.Your (the requestor's) name and daytime phone number

 In most cases, greetings will be mailed from the White House approximately ten (10) days prior to the event.