“Humility must always be the portion of any man who receives acclaim earned in blood of his followers and sacrifices of his friends.”

General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Guildhall Address, June 12, 1945

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General Dwight D. Eisenhower said these words just one year after D-Day, June 6, 1944 — the event that turned the tide for the Allied Forces in World War II — during a stop in London, England, on his victory tour through Europe and the United States. He had witnessed the horrors of the most deadly conflict in human history and knew the reality of what victory meant for so many soldiers who never returned home.

Each year, the Eisenhower Foundation joins people throughout the world in commemorating D-Day and on this 80th anniversary, we are excited to host one of the largest gatherings of World War II veterans on our campus. As we observe this historic milestone, it becomes clear that the stories of World War II must continue to be shared with current and future generations.

To further this effort, loyal donors and widows of World War II veterans have extended a matching gift opportunity. If we can raise $20,000 by the end of June, they will match every donation, dollar-for-dollar! These funds will be put to immediate use as we welcome World War II veterans to our campus on June 6th and we continue to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the last World War.

As a loyal Friend of the Eisenhower Foundation, will you send a tax-deductible gift by the end of June to help us honor these last remaining World War II veterans?

As you can imagine, the commemoration of D-Day and World War II is very important for our organization. In fact, the Eisenhower Foundation’s original purpose was to honor all World War II soldiers.

By providing programs that teach current and future generations about the bravery and heroism of our Allied soldiers, we continue to hold true to our founding principles that General Eisenhower himself established.

As fewer and fewer World War II veterans remain, the Eisenhower Foundation must
accelerate our efforts. And that is why a gift from you before the end of June is so important.

General Eisenhower believed in his troops like the Eisenhower Foundation believes in our Friends and Americans across this great nation. We hope that you share our commitment to honoring the legacy of General Dwight D. Eisenhower and all soldiers from World War II and you will make a gift on this 80th anniversary of D-Day — the invasion that ultimately secured freedom throughout the world.

In addition to our efforts to honor World War II veterans online, we are planning a special event on June 6th, as part of the activities for the week. We already have 19 World War II veterans planning to attend. Your contribution will help us honor and recognize our veterans as part of this event. 

In addition, we are planning programs throughout the year as we look toward the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Any amount is greatly appreciated.
Your gift of $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000, or whatever you can afford, will be put to immediate use as we continue adding to Ike’s Soldiers. Your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar, thanks to these loyal donors and widows of World War II veterans.

Thank you so much for joining me in this important and historic cause. With your help, we will preserve the legacy of Dwight D. Eisenhower and the soldiers he led; true American heroes.