It’s a tradition for the U.S. President to host a formal state dinner to welcome foreign dignitaries who visit the United States. President Eisenhower and Vice President Nixon hosted a special dinner to welcome Their Majesties at the White House on the evening of June 28, 1960.
One of the notable historical events during Their Majesties’ first official visit to the United States was when His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej addressed the Joint Meeting of the U.S. Congress on June 29, 1960. “I want to know how, in this country, millions of people, differing in race, tradition, and belief, can live together freely and in happy harmony,” His Majesty said.