Tom Groppel, a longtime resident of Jerseyville, spoke on May 22 about his decades of service as Director of Ceremonies and Special Events for the Military District of Washington from 1986 to 2003. In an interview with Andrew Hansen, editor of Catholic Times, Groppel described his role in organizing state visits at the White House, presidential funerals, and significant events at Arlington National Cemetery.
Groppel’s experiences offer insight into American history and the protocols surrounding major national ceremonies. He helped coordinate the funerals for Presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and George H. W. Bush. Among all the leaders he encountered during his career, he said that Pope John Paul II’s visit to President Carter in 1979 was especially memorable.
Reflecting on that eventful day at the White House, Groppel said: “Heads of government/head of state normally arrive on the North Drive of the White House. There was a lot of discussion in the Carter House about the appropriateness of a military formation on the South Lawn… I don’t think anybody sees an identity with the military and Pope John Paul.” He added that although technically a head of state due to Vatican City’s status, “he falls into a category that’s one of a kind.”
Groppel recounted challenges during preparations: “Father Marchenko turned to me… had this outburst about how things need to be more grand (for the pope’s arrival). I said ‘Father, we’re not going to change one thing.’” On seeing Pope John Paul II arrive at the White House he recalled: “He radiated… I’ve never met another human that had that aura.”
He also shared stories from burials at Arlington National Cemetery involving international figures such as Ignacy Jan Paderewski and interactions with Catholic clergy: “The old cardinal had you running like an altar boy,” Groppel remembered telling a major general after rehearsing funeral rites.
The Diocese of Springfield in Illinois supports Catholic education across its region by promoting vocations to priesthood and religious life; it maintains key facilities like its Catholic Pastoral Center in Springfield; supports 129 parishes; extends across 28 counties; works through education and service initiatives; and is led by Bishop Thomas John Paprocki according to the official website.
Groppel’s interview covers little-known stories behind presidential funerals—including decisions around transport for former first ladies—and sheds light on ceremonial traditions still observed today.
