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[Page S5702]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER-
Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. President, today I wish to celebrate the 129th
birthday of Dwight D. Eisenhower. Eisenhower was a fellow Kansan, a
strong trailblazer, and an exceptional American. His lifetime traversed
many important eras in our Nation. Ike was born as the American
Frontier came to an end, and passed away only a few months before the
United States stepped foot on the Moon, beginning an exploration into
the new frontier of space.
Born in Denison, TX, on October 14, 1890, and raised in Abilene, KS,
Eisenhower grew up in a humble environment. He always worked hard for
what he wanted. From his early years of working 12-hour shifts at a
creamery, to pursuing an education at the U.S. Military Academy, to
earning the rank of Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in Europe during
World War II, to becoming the leader of our Nation and the free world,
Ike continually strived for the best. Like so many of his generation,
he achieved a great deal for himself and our country, but didn't seek
personal credit for his accomplishments. Eisenhower's determination,
leadership, and honorable character are the reasons that he remains
respected around the world to this day. In fact, just 2 years ago in
2017, historians with expertise on Presidential rankings revised
previous figures to now include Eisenhower among the top five of all
U.S. Presidents.
Although there are numerous examples of Ike's international respect,
one particular instance can be drawn from his 1945 Guildhall Address.
After Eisenhower received the key to the city of London upon leading
the Allies to victory in World War II, he said, ``No petty differences
in the world of trade, traditions, or national pride should ever blind
us to our identities in priceless values. If we keep our eyes on this
guidepost, then no difficulties along our path of mutual co-operation
can ever be insurmountable. Moreover, when this truth has permeated to
the remotest hamlet and heart of all people, then indeed may we beat
our swords into plowshares and all nations can enjoy the fruitfulness
of the Earth.''
Today, we are surrounded by Eisenhower's enduring leadership and
ideas. The effects of his creative innovation and his focus on the
future gave us the Interstate Highway System, the Federal Aviation
Administration, the Saint Lawrence Seaway, NASA, and the Department of
Health, Education, and Welfare, now known as the Department of Health
and Human Services, and the Department of Education. Ike also supported
legislation that welcomed Alaska and Hawaii into the Union; eradicated
segregation in our Armed Forces; and deployed the Army's 101st Airborne
to Central High School in Little Rock, AR, ensuring that the law of
educational integration was followed by all States.
As the chairman of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission, I am
pleased to announce that the completion of the Dwight D. Eisenhower
Memorial, commemorating and memorializing the general and President, is
on budget and on schedule. A dedication ceremony is slated for May 8,
2020, the 75th Anniversary of the Allied Victory in Europe, V-E Day,
during World War II. It is truly exciting to realize that, in about 7
months, our Nation will dedicate a Presidential memorial in Washington,
DC, celebrating the life and legacy of Dwight D. Eisenhower.
I ask you to join me in honoring Eisenhower's 129th birthday. Ike not
only championed the free world as an exceptional military strategist,
but also led our country to times of prosperity serving as a visionary
guardian of the country's well-being. Hailing from America's heartland
and devoting his life to the pursuit of liberty, Ike left behind an
extraordinary legacy that created a better, more peaceful world.
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