VP Pence’s Bunny ‘Bundo’ Greets Military Families for WH Festivity in Their Honor

Bundo the Bunny Twitter:@VP
Twitter/@VP
Michelle Moons
Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Military families and their kiddos mingled with Vice President Mike Pence, Karen Pence, their rabbit Marlon Bundo, Ivanka Trump, husband and fellow presidential adviser Jared Kushner, and their children at a National Military Appreciation Month event honoring the military families in the Vice President’s Ceremonial Office.

Activities centered on showing appreciation to the families while bringing particular focus to the kids with opportunities to color and play with Bunny of the United States (BOTUS) Marlon Bundo. The Vice President, second lady, Trump, and National Security Adviser Gen. H.R. McMaster each took to the stage and gave particular attention to the little ones.

First daughter Ivanka Trump addressed the packed room ahead of the Vice President, saying, “Our heroes in uniform could not do their jobs if it were not for the love and support of their incredible families, so please give yourself a round of applause.” She continued, “I’m in awe of the courage and the strength of our incredible military spouses … their commitment and dedication is just as critical a service to our country.”

McMaster spoke briefly to the kids, asking, “Military families are?” which elicited a yell from one boy, “Awesome!” McMaster answered back, “Military families are awesome … So thank you military children. Thank you military spouses. Our president is deeply, deeply grateful for your service to our nation.”

Vice President Pence addressed the room alongside wife Karen who held BOTUS snugly in her arms. The second lady introduced the kids to BOTUS Bundo, giving a little background on how the family pet came into their lives. She explained that daughter Charlotte needed a bunny to star in a film she made in college and they decided to give him a name befitting a star, naming him after famous actor Marlon Brando. The children seemed particularly entertained when told he was the first bunny ever to ride on Air Force Two.

VP Pence went on to thank the military families:

Today is really about celebrating that while servicemembers enlist, it’s families that serve.  And I want to give a rousing round of applause to the military spouses who are with us here today who keep the home fires burning and who support their spouses as they serve our country.

Pence added that this Friday is Military Spouse Appreciation Day, a day instituted by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. He then recognized several military spouses of the year, specifically pointing out Mrs. Deborah Mullen and members of the Tragedy Assistance Program of Survivors. He went on to recognize Gold Star Families who have lost one or more loved ones serving in the military.

The Vice President promised the families that the Trump Administration would remain committed, “to give your families and your loved ones the resources they need and deserve, the training they need and deserve to accomplish their mission and come home safe.”

BOTUS Marlon Bundo’s playtime with the military kids marked the bunny’s first official White House appearance. Bundo has his own Instagram account, @marlonbundo, as the second lady told the kids during the event.

The children came dressed in party dresses and bow ties. Little ones colored rabbit and American flag pictures and enjoyed lemonade and ice cream.

Follow Michelle Moons on Twitter @MichelleDiana 

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