Barack and Michelle Obama returned to the White House on Wednesday for the unveiling of their official White House portraits, in an East Room ceremony hosted by President Biden and first lady Jill Biden.

“Barack and Michelle, welcome home,” said Joe Biden, who served as vice president under Obama for eight years.

John Rogers, chairman of the White House Historical Association, said Wednesday’s ceremony was also a celebration of “the unlikely story that is America,” noting the Obamas as the first Black American first family at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

“Today is a reminder that America is governed not by a disconnected series of presidents, but rather by the enduring presidency,” Rogers said. “And within the greater story that’s told by the 43 other portraits, we boldly celebrate their contrast and their confluence … as distinguished chapters in the American narrative.”

The event also marked the return of the long-standing tradition of sitting presidents welcoming their predecessors — regardless of party — to the White House to unveil their official portraits.

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