The first lady came bearing gifts.
Melania Trump visited young hospital patients in Washington D.C. July 3 for Fourth of July-themed activities, arriving with stuffed toys for the children and a plant for the hospital garden.
Trump brought fluffy teddy bears, children’s books and blankets for the kids at Children’s National Hospital and chatted with them about their favorites sports, food and hobbies.
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The first lady was joined by 10 children in the hospital’s Garden Room, where they made patriotic decorations out of rocks and cups.
Trump brought a hybrid tea rose bush dubbed “Eternal Flame” as a gift for the Bunny Mellon Healing Garden, which she helped dedicate in 2017. The plant has yellow blooms, long stems, and a strong citrus fragrance.
The first lady walked around the garden and put Fourth of July decorations in the flower beds. Some of the children carried their teddy bears with them.
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“I love to see you all,” Trump told the children.
Trump also is privately visiting heart and kidney patients and their families.
Former first ladies Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, Barbara Bush, Nancy Reagan, Rosalynn Carter are honorary chairs of the garden.
Trump told the children about the Fourth of July plans at the White House, where the president is holding a military family picnic, and suggested they could come next year when they’re healthier.
It was a rare public appearance for the first lady. She attended a performance of “Les Misérables” at the Kennedy Center on June 11 with her husband.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Melania Trump makes rare public appearance at D.C. children’s hospital
