Actor Martin Sheen joined U.S. first lady Jill Biden and cast members during a special event to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the iconic television series The West Wing at the White House.
This week, the stars of the political drama The West Wing gathered to celebrate the series’ 25th anniversary in a prestigious location—the Rose Garden at the White House.
During the ceremony, first lady Jill Biden extended a warm welcome to the cast and creator responsible for bringing the beloved character of President Jed Bartlet to life.
The event commenced with a brief address by the first lady, who conveyed a message from President Biden, currently engaged in a diplomatic summit in Wilmington.
“While Joe is away hosting leaders from Australia, India, and Japan in Delaware, he wanted to ensure that President Bartlet and his team had the chance to revisit the Oval Office,” she remarked.
“I am deeply thankful to everyone on stage for being here today, as your work has inspired countless individuals to step forward and serve our nation.”
Following her speech, Martin Sheen, the actor portraying President Bartlet, passionately recited a poem by Rabindranath Tagore that highlighted themes of patriotism:
“Where the heart is without fear,
And the head is held high
where knowledge is free
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls
Where words come out from the depths of truth
And tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sands of dead habit
Where the mind is led forward by thee into ever widening thought and action into that heaven of freedom
Dear father
Let our country awake.”
In attendance were fellow cast members Richard Schiff, Dulé Hill, Janel Moloney, Emily Procter, Melissa Fitzgerald, and Mary McCormack, along with director and executive producer Thomas Schlamme.
Creator Aaron Sorkin also attended, concluding the ceremony by describing the show as “idealistic, aspirational, and romantic.”
“I’ve observed that during times of heightened political tension, commentators often say not to expect a ‘West Wing moment,’” Sorkin stated. “This implies we shouldn’t anticipate acts of selflessness or prioritizing the country’s needs. However, ‘West Wing moments’ can and do occur.”
Referencing President Biden’s announcement not to seek a second term on July 21, Sorkin said, “That is the kind of story we love to tell.”
