Presidential Trivia Answers (Dec. 20 & 21)

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(1) QUESTION: George Washington was not the only future U.S. President at the Battle of Trenton, famously fought the day after Christmas in 1776. Which other future President was there?

ANSWER: James Monroe. He suffered a very bad injury when he was shot in the shoulder. Fortunately, Dr. John Riker happened to be nearby and probably saved Monroe's life.

(2) QUESTION: Which First Lady selected a theme for the Blue Room’s Christmas tree, thus beginning a tradition of an official, themed White House Christmas tree in that room?

ANSWER: Jackie Kennedy, of course! In 1961, she decorated the tree with items from the Nutcracker Suite ballet.

(3) QUESTION: One President banned Christmas trees from the White House for environmental reasons. Which President? Hint: Probably not one of the people that you would consider an obvious suspect.

ANSWER: Teddy Roosevelt! He wasn’t too effective. His own sons cut down a small tree on the White House grounds, hid it in a closet, and decorated it.