P.O.W.S: Nixon Throws a Party

Back in March, when Richard Nixon invited each of the released Viet Nam P.O.W.s to come to dinner, he had little idea how much he would welcome their applause. He nonetheless ordered preparations for the biggest, most elaborate party ever held at the White House.

A huge yellow-and-orange tent was set up on the White House lawn to accommodate more than 1,280 guests at 128 tables. White House aides found two aluminum canoes and filled them with crushed ice to serve as brobdingnagian coolers for the champagne. Chef Henry Haller borrowed a...

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