In the first episode of my tribute to President John F. Kennedy on my show ‘Hail to the Chief’, which was published on October 24, 2024, my photographer and I took you on a journey from young JFK’s birth up…
Author: Thomas Watson
My name is Thomas Watson and I've been a U.S. history fanatic since I was 9 years old. In 2013, I decided to take my passion to the next level when I purchased a Thomas Jefferson bobble head with the sole intention of photographing that bobble head at Presidential sites. From that first day on July 10, 2013 at Spiegel Grove in Fremont, Ohio, this journey has taken on a life of its own. Now, nearly 40,000 miles later, I thought it was time to share the experiences, stories, and photos of Jefferson's travels. Keep in mind, this entire venture has been done with the deepest respect for the men who held the office as our President; no matter what their political affiliations, personal ambitions, or public scandals may have been. This blog is intended to be a true tribute to the Presidents of the United States and this story will be told Through the Eyes of Jefferson. I hope you enjoy the ride!
312: MY TRIUMPHANT RETURN ON ‘HAIL TO THE CHIEF’ WITH A TRIBUTE TO JFK
My photographer and I began taping episodes of our show, ‘Hail to the Chief’, in August 2021. The show has been intended to be our personal tribute to each President by telling stories and sharing photos about our journey around…
311: MY TRIBUTE TO JIMMY CARTER ON HIS 100th BIRTHDAY – OCTOBER 1, 2024
In celebration of Jimmy Carter’s 100th Birthday on October 1, 2024, I am listing my Top Ten favorite Jimmy Carter highlights since I began my Presidential journey in 2013. I hope you enjoy! #1 MEETING THE PRESIDENT #2 SEEING JIMMY…
310: THE FINALE IN THE LAND OF LINCOLN ENDED WITH A TRIPLE XXX RATING
When Tom’s alarm went off at six o’clock on Sunday August 4, 2024, it was a bittersweet moment for the entire clan. It was time to pack up and start the laborious journey home – which was only a short…
309: MICHIGAN’S BO KNOWS BASEBALL IN MISSOURI – LET THE GAMES BEGIN
My photographer’s alarm rang at 5:45am on Thursday August 1, 2024 and our Airbnb in Prairie Village, Kansas began to come to life shortly after. It was game day, and Tom’s grandson’s first game of the National All-State Championship tournament…
308: WE CAME TO VISIT TRUMAN AT HIS FARM, BUT LANDED IN JAIL INSTEAD
For the second morning in a row, Tom’s alarm went off at 6:00am in our Prairie Village, Kansas rented home. It was Wednesday July 31, 2024 and our day was jam-packed with activities, although my photographer and I had a…
307: MY DAY WITH RORY, HARRY S, AND THE ‘COUNTRY WEASEL’
It was a little over a one-mile drive from the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum into downtown Independence where Tom found a parking place across the street from the Independence Courthouse Square. Although my photographer figured the historic…
306: MY PHOTOGRAPHER RECRUITED A NEW “PARTNER-IN-CRIME” AND THE TORCH WAS PASSED AT TRUMAN’S PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY
When Tom’s alarm rang at 5:45am on Tuesday July 30, 2024 and he got ready to take on the day, I didn’t think we were in Kansas anymore. But we were – albeit we were only a quarter mile into…
305: I FEEL LIKE A BULLET IN THE GUN OF ROBERT FORD
The best thing I discovered when Tom’s alarm rang at 6:00am on Monday July 29, 2024 was the fact that my photographer was still in our room. I was concerned that the Stoney Creek Hotel surveillance cameras would have shown…
304: THE TALE OF TWO BIRTHPLACES – FROM THE UNSINKABLE TO THE UNTHINKABLE
It was Sunday morning July 28, 2024 when Tom’s alarm went off at 6:00am in our Springfield, Illinois Ramada hotel room. As soon as my two companions got themselves ready and all of their belongings packed, they headed downstairs to…