As part of Dr. Biden's Joining Forces initiative, The Military Children's Corner celebrates our nation's military children and educates Americans about their service and sacrifice.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - First Lady Jill Biden announced today The Military Children's Corner, a new art display at the White House dedicated to our nation's military children. As part of her Joining Forces initiative to support military and veteran families, caregivers, and survivors, Dr. Biden is leveraging art as an educational tool to help Americans learn about the experiences of the four million military-connected children whose parents are active-duty service members, National Guard or reservists, or veterans.
"At home and abroad, I've met so many incredible military children. They may not wear a uniform, but they serve our country, too. During my travels, military children have frequently shared their artwork with me, offering a window into their lives," said First Lady Jill Biden. "Inspired by their stories of kindness, ingenuity, and strength, I wanted to bring their art and talents to the White House. As visitors enjoy The Military Children's Corner, I hope they also take a moment to reflect on the service and sacrifice of our military families."
The inaugural display features artwork from the following military children currently at military installations Dr. Biden has engaged or visited during her time as First Lady:
- Autumn, age 8, U.S. Army, Fort Moore - Columbus, GA
- Paris, age 10, U.S. Army, Fort Moore - Columbus, GA
- Jasmine, age 16, U.S. Marines, Air Station Iwakuni - Iwakuni, Japan
- Alonna and Nadia, age 17, U.S. Navy, USS Delaware - Groton, CT
- Aliyah, age 8, U.S. Navy, USS Gabrielle Giffords - San Diego, CA
- Danielle, age 14, U.S. Navy, USS Gabrielle Giffords - San Diego, CA
- Hannah, age 16, U.S. Air Force, Whiteman Air Force Base - Knob Noster, MO
- Taylor, age 19, U.S. Air Force, Whiteman Air Force Base - Knob Noster, MO
- Asha, age 17, U.S. Space Force, Peterson Space Force Base - Colorado Springs, CO
- Patrick, age 12, National Guard, Delaware Army National Guard - New Castle, DE
- Sophie, age 12, U.S. Coast Guard, Air Station Miami - Miami, FL
In addition, the inaugural display features artwork from Sesame Street's Rosita, a 5-year-old Muppet whose dad, Ricardo, is a veteran and uses a wheelchair after being injured during his military service. The First Lady and Rosita have participated in a series of engagements over the years with Sesame Workshop to spotlight the experiences of children of military and veteran families.
The Military Children's Corner is located in the East Colonnade and is among the first displays visitors will see when they enter the East Wing of the White House. The display case was designed to replicate the look and feel of bulletin boards commonly found in elementary schools, making this White House display welcoming to visitors of all ages. The display will be updated on a quarterly basis and feature a variety of art from military-connected children of U.S. service members around the world.
As a military mom and educator for more than 30 years, Dr. Biden has previously debuted temporary art installations at the White House to help Americans learn more about the unique experiences of our military-connected families. In April 2022, to celebrate the Month of the Military Child, Dr. Biden partnered with Military Child Education Coalition to create a display in the East Wing featuring artwork created by military-connected children across the country and those stationed around the world. In April 2023, Dr. Biden debuted an installation inspired by a poem called "My Military Suitcase," which featured miniature wooden suitcases designed by military and veteran children to reflect their journeys as military-connected families. Building on Dr. Biden's previous art installations, The Military Children's Corner provides a dedicated display at the White House to celebrate our nation's military children all year round.
Background on the First Lady's Joining Forces initiative
Joining Forces is Dr. Biden's initiative to support military and veteran families, caregivers, and survivors. Guided by the life experiences and the perspectives voiced during in-person and virtual listening sessions with military-connected families and stakeholders, the work and priorities of Joining Forces centers on the needs of this community in the areas of: Economic Opportunity; Military Child Education; and Health and Well-Being.
As First Lady, Dr. Biden has visited over 25 military installations; worked with Joining Forces partners to support over 30 events with the military-connected community; and helped coordinate the Administration's efforts to increase and raise awareness of resources and support for military and veteran families, caregivers, and survivors.
