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1953 Inauguration
Presidents Day Gift

 

Celebrating 70 Years Since Eisenhower’s Presidency

 

 

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As we reflect on the 70th anniversary of the Presidency of Dwight D. Eisenhower, my grandfather, it is amazing how his lasting legacy continues to impact our world today.

 

On Monday, April 5, 1954, from the Broadcast Room of the White House, my grandfather delivered his Address to the American People on the State of the Nation. He opened by saying, “This evening I want to talk to you about a very big subject. I want to talk to you about this great country of ours.” He went on to discuss our nation’s strengths, problems, apprehensions, and, most importantly, its future.

 

In his remarks, he put the issues facing our country into perspective and explained complex topics in a way that every American listening could understand. He reasoned that, “None of the questions that bothers us today has an easy answer. And many of them have no answers at all, at least in their complete sense.” Nonetheless, these questions – questions about war, the economy, relationships with foreign nations – were topics that he met head-on.

 

He ended his address by saying something rather profound. He said, “We can be vigilant. We can be Americans. We can stand up and hold up our heads and say: America is the greatest force that God has ever allowed to exist on His footstool. As such it is up to us to lead this world to a peaceful and secure existence. And I assure you we can do it.”

 

Ike spent his presidency ensuring the peace secured at the end of World War II wasn’t short-lived and he was known around the globe as a Champion of Peace. It is this legacy that we celebrate and we thank you, our supporters, for leading the way.

 

In honor of the 70th anniversary of the Eisenhower Administration, we are excited to announce a new matching gift challenge. If we can raise $20,000 by April 5, 2024, for the Foundation’s 70th Anniversary Presidential Program Series, the Estate of Harry and Edith Darby will donate a priceless painting by Dwight D. Eisenhower to our organization.

 

I invite you to join me in making a special contribution to support the 70th Anniversary Presidential Program Series. These programs celebrate key moments throughout the eight years of President Eisenhower’s Administration and inspire today’s generations by Dwight D. Eisenhower’s timeless example.

 

The Eisenhower painting was a Darby family heirloom that was given to David Alford, grandson of Senator Harry Darby, who was a close friend of my grandfather’s. The painting hung prominently in the Darby house, despite my grandfather’s personal note reading, “I advise strongly that you do not put it in a prominent place in your house. The deeper the shadow the better it will show up.”

 

The note and painting are a direct reflection of who my grandfather was for so many people. While Ike was humble, never one to make a big fuss over himself, the ideas and artifacts he left behind are treasured by those who knew him best and those who had deep admiration for his leadership.

 

So that is why I must ask, can I count on you to make a gift in honor of the 70th anniversary of the Eisenhower Administration?

 

Currently ranked 5th in the C-SPAN Presidential Historian Survey, Ike’s reputation and status continues to rise. And, because of people like you, my grandfather’s legacy of leadership is celebrated and shared. As the Eisenhower Foundation strives to impart Ike’s wisdom on today’s Americans, the truth remains that there is far more that needs to be done to secure the legacy of President Eisenhower and The Greatest Generation.

 

President Dwight D. Eisenhower led our country to some of the most peaceful and prosperous times in history. As the United States transitioned from wartime to peacetime, President Eisenhower invested in our country’s infrastructure to meet the demands of an ever-growing economy. He enacted the National Interstate and Defense Highways Act, forever changing the country’s landscape and opening new frontiers for trade and business.

 

In response to the Soviet Union’s launch of the artificial satellite Sputnik I, President Eisenhower established NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), fueling the “Space Race” and ultimately securing America’s place at the forefront of space exploration.

 

In a time when race relations were at a tipping point, President Eisenhower desegregated public schools by enforcing the historic Brown v. Board of Education decision. He also passed the Civil Rights Act of 1957, the first federal civil rights legislation passed by the United States Congress since the Reconstruction Era.

 

These are just a few of my grandfather’s presidential accomplishments. As one of our most loyal supporters, I hope you know the difference you make. Together, we are helping ensure the legacy of Dwight D. Eisenhower is passed down to future generations.

 

Will you make a gift to honor the 70th anniversary of my grandfather’s presidency? Together, if we raise $20,000, a priceless Eisenhower painting will be donated to the Eisenhower Foundation by the Estate of Harry and Edith Darby.

 

The non-profit Eisenhower Foundation depends on the generosity of our friends, like you. Thank you for your continued support over the years. The Eisenhower Foundation would not be where we are today without the support of donors across the world who “Like Ike.”

 

-Mary Jean Eisenhower

 

The Eisenhower Statue at the center of the Eisenhower Presidential Library campus with the words "Champion of Peace" was a gift from Senator Harry Darby.