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Washington 1981

Washington 1981

On Jan. 27, 1981, 52 Americans and their families arrive at the White House for a ceremony hosted by President Ronald Reagan. The Americans were released January 20 after being held hostage 444 days at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran. Their release came during President Reagan’s inauguration ceremony – former President Jimmy Carter had hoped it would happen while he was still in office – explaining the still- standing grandstand and media center. More than 200,000 people lined the procession route that day. I took the photo from the rooftop at 1730 Pennsylvania Ave., three buildings from the White House. Such a photo opportunity would be impossible today, as would the gathering of a crowd this size so close to the White House.

Washington 1981

Washington 1981

On Jan. 27, 1981, 52 Americans and their families arrive at the White House for a ceremony hosted by President Ronald Reagan. The Americans were released January 20 after being held hostage 444 days at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran. Their release came during President Reagan’s inauguration ceremony – former President Jimmy Carter had hoped it would happen while he was still in office – explaining the still- standing grandstand and media center. More than 200,000 people lined the procession route that day. I took the photo from the rooftop at 1730 Pennsylvania Ave., three buildings from the White House. Such a photo opportunity would be impossible today, as would the gathering of a crowd this size so close to the White House.

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