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In the 236 years since our constitutional republic was founded we have had 45 different presidents. Alongside them have been their wives, the “first ladies” of the United States. They were not only hostesses of White House social and state functions, but many took up projects they believed would be beneficial to the nation and its citizens.

In modern times, Jacqueline Kennedy was dedicated to historic preservation and cultural initiatives. Both Bush first ladies tackled literacy issues. And Michelle Obama’s signature initiative was called “Let’s Move!” promoting healthy lifestyle choices for the nation’s

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