Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial In Washington D.C. Nears Completion

WASHINGTON, March 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial, honoring the legacy of the World War II Supreme Allied Commander and nation's 34^th President, will soon open to the public. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission, tasked with the project since Congress commissioned the Memorial in 1999, will host a dedication at the site on Friday, May 8, 2020 – the 75^th anniversary of Victory in Europe (V-E) Day. Emceed by Bret Baier, the event will feature a keynote address by former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and remarks from Senator Pat Roberts of Kansas and two of the former President's grandchildren, David and Susan Eisenhower.

In 1999, Congress charged the Dwight D. Eisenhower Commission with creating a permanent, national memorial to honor Dwight D. Eisenhower and to perpetuate his memory and contributions. Over the years, many public and private sector leaders have supported the effort, including Senator Pat Roberts of Kansas (Eisenhower's childhood home) who chairs the Commission. Invited guests for the dedication ceremony include President Trump, current and former members of Congress, current and former Cabinet members, military leaders, the Eisenhower family and others impacted by the late President's contributions.

"The dedication in May marks the culmination of a decades-long passion project for people who worked tirelessly to ensure we appropriately honor a great leader," said Victoria Tigwell, deputy executive director of the Eisenhower Memorial Commission. "We are grateful for the efforts of Senator Roberts, architect Frank Gehry, the Eisenhower family and all of our committee members in helping create a stunning Memorial in recognition of Dwight D. Eisenhower's legacy."

Renowned architect Frank Gehry designed the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial, which is located in a newly created, four-acre public park adjacent to the National Mall and across the street from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. A combination of grand architectural elements, sculpture and green space, the Memorial highlights Eisenhower from his humble childhood in America's heartland, to his decisive role as Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in World War II and his two terms as President.

The Memorial features three bronze statues of Eisenhower by sculptor Sergey Eylanbekov. Based on one of the most recognized photos of World War II, one sculpture features Eisenhower with troops from the 101^st Airborne the day before the invasion of Normandy.  Another sculpture depicts President Eisenhower in the White House surrounded by civilian and military advisors. And, in a tribute unique to this Memorial, a third sculpture portrays Eisenhower in his boyhood.

Stone bas relief images and inscription panels bear poignant words from notable Eisenhower addresses give context to the Memorial's sculptures.  Framing the entire park and Memorial is a first-of-its-kind stainless steel woven tapestry by artist Thomas Osinski, which depicts the cliffs at Pointe du Hoc on the Normandy coastline.

"The tapestry, with the drawing of Pont du Hoc, is meant to represent a memory; the memory of the monumental task that the brave Allied soldiers faced, staring up at those rocks as they landed on the beaches of France, and how difficult it must have been for them to scale those heights with the full force of the Nazi forces pushing against them," said Gehry. "It is a place to remember the heart and soul required to take such a risk and the daring and brilliance of Eisenhower."

Gehry and the Memorial Commission envision the memorial as a visual sanctuary that inspires contemplation and reflection on Eisenhower the man and the profound impact of his service on the country and the world.

"Dwight D. Eisenhower embodied the values of strength, humility, discipline and integrity," said Senator Pat Roberts. "This Memorial honors not only an extraordinary man and native son of Kansas, but serves as symbol for all generations of the promise of America and what our values make possible here and around the world."

Media contact:
Susan Goodell
MWWPR for the Eisenhower Memorial Commission
[email protected] 
202.600.4547

SOURCE Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission