The Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum is set to commemorate the 134th birthday of President Dwight D. Eisenhower with a series of public events scheduled for Friday, October 11, and Saturday, October 12.
The festivities are open to all, with the exception of the Legacy Gala on Saturday evening, which is a sold-out, invitation-only event.
Friday, at 4:00 p.m., the weekend kicks off with the dedication of a new mural at the Bert & Wetta silo, located east of the library campus. The Eisenhower Foundation will unveil this mural, celebrating the legacy of the 34th president.
Following the mural dedication, a 4:30 p.m. vigil organized by Kansas VFW chapters will take place at the Place of Meditation on the library grounds. This brief ceremony will honor President Eisenhower’s legacy as VFW members stand guard at his burial site.
On Saturday, at 10:00 a.m., the first event of the day will be a wreath-laying ceremony conducted by the 1st Infantry Division at the Place of Meditation, commemorating President Eisenhower on behalf of the current President of the United States.
The American Legion will hold a 10:30 a.m. pilgrimage ceremony in front of the Eisenhower Statue. This event will include remarks from representatives of the Kansas American Legion and a tribute from state chapters to General Eisenhower.
The Legacy Gala, which thanks the Eisenhower family and loyal donors, is scheduled for 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. in an invitation-only event that is not open to the general public.
Additionally, from October 12 to 18, the Grayson County Amateur Radio Club will celebrate Eisenhower’s birthday by promoting interest in amateur radio operations. The club will operate under the call sign W5E, featuring ten unique call signs that spell out “Eisenhower.”
Born on October 14, 1890, in Denison, Texas, Dwight Eisenhower spent much of his childhood in Abilene, Kansas. He served as the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force during World War II and later as President from 1953 to 1961.
Dwight is the only one of the Eisenhower brothers born outside of Dickinson County, Kansas. The family moved back to Abilene, Kansas, when Ike was about two years old.
General Eisenhower stated during his homecoming speech following World War II, “the proudest thing I can claim is that I am from Abilene!”
The annual celebrations are held on the weekend closest to his birthday to honor his contributions to the nation.
The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum is one of 15 presidential libraries operated by the National Archives and Records Administration to promote understanding of the presidency and the American experience.
For further details about the events or the Eisenhower Presidential Library, visit eisenhowerlibrary.gov.
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