Black canvas deck chair used by President George W. Bush while aboard the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln during his ‘Mission Accomplished’ visit on May 1, 2003. The collapsible chair measures 38″ x 33″ x 19″ unfolded, with backing embroidered “Commander-in-Chief” with upper presidential seal in gold stitching, and end of adjustable right armrest featuring a beverage holder. Includes the original black vinyl storage bag with embroidered text: "USS Abraham Lincoln CVN 72." In fine condition, with expected surface wear and a tear to upper left ear of backing. Accompanied by a copy of an e-mail from the chair’s former owner, Bush’s speechwriter Stan Whitlock, which reads, in part: “In late April of 2003, during the Iraq War, I was part of the advance team on the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln where George W. Bush famously landed to give his historic May 1, 2003 ‘Mission Accomplished’ speech. The black folding chair, in its matching carrying bag, embroidered with the Presidential Seal and ‘Commander-in-Chief’ designation was President Bush’s personal chair while aboard the Abraham Lincoln. It was presented to me by a Kendall Card, then Captain of the Lincoln, shortly after this important event in American history.” President Bush visited the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln anchored outside of San Diego after its return from a 10-month-long deployment. While aboard he delivered his notorious 'Mission Accomplished' speech—a name referring to a banner decorating the upper decks of the aircraft carrier—which effectively announced the end of the military phase in Iraq.
