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Samantha Pryor
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Abilene, Kan. - A full weekend is planned for President Eisenhower’s birthday at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, 200 SE 4th Street, Abilene. The public is invited to participate in an array of activities Friday, October 11 and Saturday, October 12. All events are free and open to the public with the exception of the Legacy Gala set for Saturday evening.
Friday, October 11
- 4:00 p.m. - Silo Mural Dedication (Pylons)
The Eisenhower Foundation proudly unveils the brand new Eisenhower mural painted on the Bert & Wetta silo located just to the east of the Eisenhower Presidential Library campus. - 4:30 p.m. - Kansas VFW Vigil (Place of Meditation)
A brief opening ceremony is held at the Place of Meditation on the Eisenhower Presidential Library campus. VFW Chapters from across Kansas stand guard at the burial site of our nation’s 34th President.
Saturday, October 12
- 10:00 a.m. - Presidential Wreath Laying Ceremony (Place of Meditation)
The 1st Infantry Division holds a wreath laying ceremony at the burial site of President Eisenhower on behalf of the President of the United States. - 10:30 a.m. - American Legion Pilgrimage Ceremony (Eisenhower Statue)
The Kansas American Legion gathers in front of the Eisenhower Statue at the center of the Eisenhower Presidential Library campus. The ceremony begins following the Presidential Wreath Laying Ceremony and includes brief remarks followed by each of the State’s Chapters paying their respects to General Eisenhower. - 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. - Legacy Gala (sold out)
The Eisenhower Foundation’s Legacy Gala is an invitation-only evening held to thank the Eisenhower family, community, and most loyal donors from across the nation. - Grayson County Amateur Radio Event (October 12-18)
The Grayson County (Texas) Amateur Radio Club hosts an event each year celebrating Dwight Eisenhower's birthday with a goal of promoting awareness and interest in amateur radio operations. The 10 unique call signs issued by the FCC contain the 10 letters that spell out Eisenhower. This year an operator will be stationed periodically at the Eisenhower Presidential Library campus operating under call sign W5E.
Dwight Eisenhower was born October 14, 1890, in Denison, Texas. He 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!” Each year the celebratory events are held the weekend closest to his birthday. For more information, please visit eisenhowerlibrary.gov.
About the Eisenhower Presidential Library
The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum is one of 15 Presidential Libraries operated by the National Archives and Records Administration. Presidential Libraries promote understanding of the presidency and the American experience. They preserve and provide access to historical materials, support research, and create interactive programs and exhibits that educate and inspire. Public programs and exhibits at the Eisenhower Presidential Library are made possible in part through the generous support of the Eisenhower Foundation. To learn more, visit eisenhowerlibrary.gov.