The memories abound.
The East Wing housed the offices of the first lady and her staff beginning in 1977. The space also served as an entryway for tours and special events at the White House.
The sudden and complete demolition of the East Wing on Oct. 20, to make way for a $300 million ballroom envisioned by President Donald Trump, took many by surprise, sparking concern from critics, preservationists and a few former residents.
Hillary Clinton, a former first lady, who became Secretary of State and later a presidential candidate, responded on Oct. 21, when images of the demolition site began circulating. She expressed outrage that a preeminent national structure stood gutted.
Clinton posted a picture of the torn-down facade on X, noting, "It's not his house. It’s your house. And he’s destroying it."
