Chair senator pat roberts of kansas. [bugle] it causes my mind to go back to the abiding truths we learned at home, love of god, fairness in human relations, responsibility, concern for the welfare of others, and that each individual could, through his own efforts, achieve a full life. It is the firm duty of each of our citizens to fight and put because of his country before the comforts of himself. We must be ready to give out to our country, for history does not long entrust the care of history to the weak or unwilling. We must be willing to accept as a nation to accept whatever sacrifices must be required of us. A people who values privileges above principle will be dissolved. These men came here to storm these beaches not to gain anything for themselves but just to preserve freedom, systems of selfgovernance in the world. Many thousands died for ideal such as these. But these people gave us a chance, and they bought time for us, so that we can do better than we have before. We must find some way to gain an eternal peace. You and i, my fellow citizens, need to be strong in our faith that all nations under god will reach the goal of peace with justice. We pray that peoples of all faiths, all races, all nations, may have their great human needs satisfied. And that disgorge of poverty, disease, and ignorance will disappear from the earth. And that, in the goodness of time, all people will come to live together in a piece guaranteed by the binding force of Mutual Respect and love. Good evening, and welcome to the dedication ceremony for that dwight d. Eisenhower memorial. For everyones health and safety, please exercise safe social distancing, and ensure that your masks remain on when youre not eating or drinking. To begin our program, we are honored to be joined by the soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division as they were with general eisenhower, the night before dday, to present tonight tonights colors. There will be accompanied by the president s owned marine band. The National Anthem will be performed by the celebrated group, voices of service, will be followed by kansas own rachel math, who be presenting her rendition of the pledge of allegiance. Please remain standing for the National Anthem and the pledge of allegiance. Please rise. [military music] [horns, drums] present colors. Oh, say can you see by the dawns early light what so proudly we hailed, at the twilights last gleaming. Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight, oer the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming. And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night, that our flag was still there. [harmony with soloist] oh, say does that starspangled banner yet wave, oer the land of the free, and the home of the brave. [applause] [static] [roaring sound] [applause] i pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of america, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [military band] [horns, drums] thank you to the 177th fighter wing from the new Jersey National guard for providing flyover coverage for this evenings ceremony. To give tonights invocation, we are pleased to have with us u. S. Senate chaplain black. Chaplain black serving in the u. S. Navy for over 27 years and completed his distinguished military career as the chief of navy chaplains. In june, 2003, the rear admiral was elected to serve as the 62nd chaplain of the United States senate, and has been in that role ever since. To open tonights ceremony, in prayer, here is chaplain black. You may be seated. Let us pray. Oh, lord, the light of lights, how majestic is your name in all the earth. We marvel that you care about humanity and have crowned us with glory and honor. Today, accept our gratitude for the life and legacy of president dwight davis eisenhower, who, more than self, his country loved and mercy more than life. We praise you that his love for freedom summoned our nation to embrace our best hopes. Thank you, mighty god, for his ability to plant seeds of confidence. To build bridges that help to bring unity to a divided nation and world. May this memorial dedication remind us of americas opportunity to continue to strive to create a more perfect union, where justice will roll down like waters, and righteousness, like a mighty stream. Lord, give us the grace to love what you command and to desire what you have promised. Granted, that guided by your light, we may reach the light granted that, guided by your light, we may reach the light that never fades and for your truth we may reach the truth that is complete. Bless this evening our food, fellowship, reflections, and evening, our food, fellowship, reflections, and inspiration we pray in your sovereign name. Amen. To recognize those who made this memorial possible and to acknowledge tonights attendees, please welcome the vice chairman of the commission and the representative of the california fifth Congressional District, mike thompson. Good evening. I am congressman mike thompson, representing californias fifth Congressional District and the vice chairman of the eisenhower Memorial Commission. Thank you for joining us today to celebrate one of our countrys greatest leaders. Whether you are here inperson or watching online, you are taking part in a unique tradition. This will only be the seventh president ial memorial to be built in washington, d. C. Congress passed the bill to bill creating the eisenhower memorial while president clinton was in office. Today, two decades later, we are gathered to dedicate this memorial and recognize a lifetime of public service. This ceremony, this memorial, would not be possible if not for the 12 member commission. Let me recognize my colleagues on the commission who gave their time and energy to establish the dwight d. Eisenhower memorial. For those of you in attendance, please stand when you hear your name. The chairman, senator pat roberts of kansas. [applause] senator joe mansion from west virginia. [applause] senator gary peters of michigan. [applause] senator sullivan of alaska. Congressman Sanford Bishop from georgia. From georgias second district. [applause] congressman simpson of idahos second district. [applause] former kansas senator bob dole. [applause] Commission Member alfred jidolic. [applause] Commission Member susan barnes harris, and Commission Member Catherine Ann stevens. [applause] thank you all for your leadership and devotion to this magnificent project. I would like to acknowledge a few other people with us this evening. Secretary of interior, david bernhardt. Secretary of transportation, elaine chao. And secretary of education, betsy devos. [applause] important pieces of president eisenhowers legacy. Thank you for joining us to celebrate this occasion. Devosank you to secretary in the education department, in the building directly behind me, for being such gracious neighbors throughout the construction process. Pelosi,u, speaker nancy for taking part in tonights dedication, and for your personal attention, helping to make this memorial a reality. We are grateful that you are here and for all that you have done over the years for this important project. I would also like to thank the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, general mark malley, for being with us today. Thank you, general. [applause] i also want to recognize Brigadier General robert, representing the marine corps. In colonel michael gove bock of govocavic,l representing the 101st Airborne Division. [applause] thank you both for being here. We are also grateful to have the ambassador of the republic of china, and the deputy chief of mission from italy with us tonight. Thank you for representing your beautiful nations and the support youve shown for this memorial. I would also like to recognize tomas osimsky, the artist and architect who created the incredible tapestry you see behind me. [applause] this oneofakind piece displays the iconic normandy coastline in peactime, which general eisenhowers troops invaded on dday. Standing at 80 feet high and 450 feet long, there is not another tapestry like this anywhere in the world. Tomas, on behalf of the commission, thank you for your incredible work. [applause] i also want to recognize the Senior Leadership from clark construction, who are here with us. Randy, david, and jared, thank you for your dedication to completing this fantastic memorial. [applause] i also want to recognize alex, kia, and kaden eisenhower, president eisenhowers great grandson and great great grandchildren, here representing the eisenhower family. We also have merle atwater, the son of Mary Jean Eisenhower and a great grandson of the president , as well. We are honored to have you on this special day. Serving on this commission to memorialize a truly Great American hero has been a tremendous honor. Thank you very much. [applause] to make a special recognition please welcome the host of full court press and the voice of americas plugged in, greta van sustern. [applause] good evening. If you think this weather is rough, think of what it was like on the English Channel back in 1944. This weather is nothing like the members of our military did for us. It is a great night. Tonight, we honor general eisenhower and his spectacular military career. I am sure senator bob dole would want me to mention some of the generals accomplishments, because without this service, this nation, and the world would service, this nation and the world would be a very different place. The general did not stop with the military career which will you will hear about tonight. Like many others, he went on from world war ii and went on to serve the nation in other capacities. He became president. As president , general eisenhower, president eisenhower did incredible things. In 1956, president eisenhower championed the formation of the interstate highway system. Look where that took us all. All across the great nation. In 1958, president eisenhower established nasa, the civilian space Agency Responsible for the space program, and look where it took us, to the moon. In 1954, when the Supreme Court struck down racial segregation in schools, and one Arkansas School district defy the law, it defied the law, it was president eisenhower who sent troops to uphold the Supreme Court decision, fighting segregation. He led us in war, as president , and he let us in no war through fairness and prosperity. Which brings me to another world war ii vet, robert dole. The story does not back to world war ii, before i was born. But it goes back to april of 2004, the night before the opening of the world war ii memorial just down the street. I was doing a live show that night, next to the memorial, celebrating the following day the memorial would be dedicated. I had the perfect guest that night, senator robert dole. Senator dole famous for being a member of congress and a Senate Majority leader from kansas, but as a quiet hero himself, he enlisted in world war ii and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant before shipping off to italy. While an while in italy, in april, 1945, was wounded by the machine gun fire as he attempted to rescue a radioman during an assault on enemy position. Soldiers upon seeing the extent of his injury thought all they could do was give him the largest dose of morphine they dared and wrote m on his forehead so nobody else would give him a second fatal dose. His chances of living were slim but he did not give up, he never has. He faced overwhelming odds while spending many years in a military hospital. For his military service to his nation, to all of us, robert dole was decorated three times, two purple hearts for his injuries and a bronze star for attempting to rescue the a downed radioman. When i said to him, i said, how did this come about . We were just killing time. He said, world war ii veterans lobbied congress for the land and world war ii veterans raised the money. I was horrified. My generation, which reaped all of the benefits of all of the sacrifices of general eisenhower and world war ii vets, including senator dole, had not raised the money for the monument when we were the ones who owed a great thanks to him and everyone else who fought there. We know that without general eisenhower and all the others who served, this would be a very different world. How noble they were, fighting for ideals, and upon winning the war, not taking one square foot of land, and in the end, rebuilding the nations that were host to the war. My conversation with senator dole didnt stop at the world war ii memorial. I wanted to change the topic. When he told me that the project was under way to build this memorial, something he and senator roberts of kansas wanted to do, i thought, i need to be part of this in some way. And, of course, thats what brings us here tonight, to this dedication of this memorial to general eisenhower. Speaking tonight about general eisenhower is a great honor, and it is a great honor to be here tonight to thank all of the world war ii vets, all of the current people serving in uniform, senator pat roberts, and they all helped us get here. This memorial to general eisenhower, a great inspiration, great reminder to all america and to all the great things our nation does, and all the great leaders who led us here. A special thanks to senator roberts, senator dole, and everyone else who participated in the project, so we can continue to remind ourselves of what we can do. Here is senator dole. I am sorry that i could not be with you this evening. As you honor a Great American, dwight David Eisenhower. He was a wonderful man. He was honest, he was sincere, he had an integrity, he was decisive, and he spent much of his time in world war ii trying to reconcile the interest of the british, and the french, and the americans. But he did it with expertise. He kept everybody on board, and because of his brilliant approach, we won world war ii, and then eisenhower moved on. He became a Great American president. Eight years of peace and prosperity. And he made many, many tough decisions. So i am very proud to be from kansas, not from abilene but not very far away, and i am very proud to call general eisenhower, president eisenhower, major eisenhower, whatever, my hero. [applause] ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the chief Political Correspondent for fox news. [applause] good evening. Wasnt it wonderful to hear from senator dole tonight . It is a true honor to be here. Obviously, senator dole, a true american hero, Public Servant. My day job is to cover the news across the u. S. And across the world, but i am also a huge fan of general eisenhower, our 34th president. In fact so much so i wrote a book about him, three days in january, Dwight Eisenhowers final mission. The thing i loved about him is what has made him so beloved to this day to generations like mine and younger who were not around during his era, how he was perfectly reflecting the american ideal. He was an ordinary man who answered the call to perform an extraordinary duties and deeds. And when the war was over, he was humble about it. He realized his fame was earned, as he put it, in the blood of his followers and the sacrifices of his friends. Called to serve once more as president , he was fully aware of his shortcomings. He was a soldier, not a political animal, not a politician. But he was always trusted, and he always trusted the American People to be smarter, even then their leaders. Than their leaders. And his own personal code was to associate with and learn from people who knew more than he did. Throughout his lifetime, he maintained the manner of the scrappy kid from kansas, and you see that here in this memorial. He knew that what made America Great was not its superiority with our weapon systems or the dominance of our economy. As he liked to say, what counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the fight in the dog. This is a special event. We are sorry that it is raining, but it doesnt take away from this moment. I know i could speak on behalf of the eisenhower Memorial Commission, and say that this ceremony wouldnt be the same if it were not for all of you here tonight and all that youve done. Whether you are here inperson or watching on cspan, or streaming online. Thank you for coming, thank you for watching and recognizing americas Supreme Commander during world war ii, and her 34th president. One quick reminder, for everyone to keep social distancing, health, and safety. They do ask of the attendees tonight to practice that, and keep your masks on during the event when you are not eating or drinking. Our next speaker is a worldrenowned architect whose works include the Guggenheim Museum in spain, the walt disney concert hall in los angeles, the art gallery of ontario in toronto, and many other prestigious buildings around the world. In 1957, he completed his first professional design, his own house, in idylwild, california, which he worked on actually as an apprentice. And his most recent is this, the dwight d. Eisenhower memorial. His first design for a public project. Unfortunately, he is unable to join us tonight inperson, but he did provide a recorded greeting. So please welcome frank gehry. Frank what a day today. I am so greatly honored to be part of this effort to memorialize dwight d. Eisenhower in washington, d. C. To prepare for this formidable task, i studied everything. I Read Everything that i could find on his accomplishments, and they were vast. What a legacy. At first glance, the site did not seem great, surrounded by traffic and office buildings, but that was it. And with the help of many, starting with words of encouragement from daniel inouye, and members of the eisenhower Memorial Commission, led by the indomitable senator pat roberts, we got it done. There were sensitivities for sure expressed by many, including the eisenhower family. We listened to all and the result is better. For my life, this is one of my proudest moments, and i regret that i cannot be there to enjoy this with you. Directed by colonel jason, please welcome the president s own United States marine band and their rendition of song of the marching man, an arrangement performed at both the 1953 and 1957 inaugurations for president eisenhower. [trumpets playing] [full military band] [applause] the president s marine band sounds good in any weather. Tonights event wouldnt be possible without the next speaker. U. S. Senator pat roberts is a native kansan, and has been with the eisenhower Memorial Commission, since its inception in 2001. As the senior u. S. Senator of ikes home state, it is fitting senator roberts joined the effort to build a memorial to honor one of kansas favorite sons. When he took on the role as chairman in 2015. Throughout his life, the senator has devoted himself to the citizens of kansas, and on a national level, has been a congressional leader in agriculture, health care, and defense. Most importantly, senator roberts is a man of character, and that is best shown through his through his ability to have balanced his lifelong career as a Public Servant along with a steady devotion to his family. Together, he and his wife of over 50 years, who is joining the senator tonight, have three children and seven grandchildren. We are grateful for his service to the country, for his leadership with the eisenhower commission, and for being here to speak with us tonight. Live, rain or no rain. I present to you senator pat roberts. [applause] sen. Roberts thank you. As an eisenhower author yourself, i know that you share our enthusiasm for his legacy, and we appreciate you so much. As greta pointed out, this is to theand as ike said 101st, okay, lets go. So, here we go. Greetings to all of our guests here tonight and for those of you watching, now we all wish we could be together in person to celebrate the completion of this magnificent memorial. However, the legacy of dwight d. Eisenhower cannot be constrained by the size of the crowd, because it is reflected in the freedoms that we live every day in america. The memorial designer, frank gehry, and his partners unfortunately are unable to join us tonight, but if the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that you dont have to be in the same place together. So, frank, i know you and your team are watching. The brilliance of this memorial will reverberate around the world and lift the legacy of dwight d. Eisenhower to unending global audiences. Tonight, as we dedicate this memorial, we stand on the shoulders of some giants who made it possible. Senators ted stevens, senator daniel inouye, and senator lisa murkowski, who kept this whole effort alive through her great support. [applause] we couldnt have done this without you, lisa, and i really appreciate it. I want to thank my fellow commissioners, as was already done, to allow us to conduct our business and truly bipartisan way, in the image of the man of the man we honor tonight. And i want to thank one commissioner in particular, and hes already been thanked and deservedly so, and that is bob dole, a man who fought bravely on the battlefields of italy, under ikes command. Although gravely wounded, he fought his way back to both health and strength, and a wonderful career in the United States senate. He applied that same tenacity and spirit to fundraising on behalf of this memorial. Because of his tireless efforts, the remaining heroes of the greatest generation can now come here and finally, finally salute their commanding officer. Needless to say, we would not be here today without the guiding influence of the eisenhower family. I would like to recognize, now, David Eisenhower and his wife, julie nixon eisenhower, who are with us tonight. David, please stand. I cannot see you, but hopefully others will. [applause] and thank you for coming. David is a renowned author. David and susan mary jean, because of your valued input, we have a fitting memorial to your beloved grandfather. Now, we persevered, and then we persevered, and then we got it right. Thank you to the eisenhower family. I want to thank the donors, some of whom are here tonight. Because of you, this memorial is complete. The donations come in all sizes, and we are grateful for every one of them. I would like to extend a special recognition for one in particular, a teacher in east toledo, ohio. Back in 2012, in honor of veterans day, the classes pitched in their quarters and nickles, and dines, and pennies, and sent them to washington so they could support this memorial. Robin, will you please stand so we can thank you for teaching Young Americans the importance of giving back to their community and their country as well as their heritage . Thank you. [applause] as a senator, i always say you are only as good as your staff, and that certainly applies to this project. The commission staff, spearheaded by the general, tigwell. Take well [applause] the loudest applause of the night. They deserve our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for their unwavering focus on building this memorial. Carl, queen victoria, dan, ed, shannon, joyce, chris, we thank you. [applause] and for my own staff, i am going to take a little license here. There are two women in particular that i would like to thank. One of whom has been with me, worked with me during the long years of preserving the opportunity to have this memorial. It is not easy going to the house appropriators and going in on one knee being a senator, but that is what we had to do. And the other chair is equally the success of bringing this memorial to commission commission. Amber and jackie, thank you for your creativity, loyalty and diligence. [applause] ladies and gentlemen, i have just been told right now that we have a message coming from cyberspace. Right now, i direct your attention to the monitors, please. Good evening, senator roberts and honored guests. I am nasa astronaut chris cassidy, commander of the space station, orbiting 260 miles above earth. Along with our nasa administrator, i am honored to join you in celebrating the memorial dedication of the nation 34th president , dwight d. Eisenhower. Under president eisenhowers leadership, america created nasa, which brought our country to the forefront of space exploration. President eisenhower understood what nasa could do for america, as he provided the vision for the Amazing Things we do in human and Robotic Exploration today, which benefit all humankind back on earth. President eisenhowers voice on the first broadcast from space in 1958 was the beginning of what is now part of our daytoday life as we approach the 20th anniversary of a permanent human presence, right here on the International Space station. Senator roberts, i congratulate the eisenhower Memorial Commission in this dedication is as a lasting tribute to the Great American hero, a patriot, and the president. All the best to you from us on the International Space station. Take care. [applause] thank you, chris cassidy, for making that possible. Yet another eisenhower achievement. Before the pandemic, the dedication was to be may 8, the 75th anniversary of dday. In anniversary with worldwide significance, today, september 17, is in anniversary of Truly American origins. On this day, in 1787, after debate and compromise, our constitution was finally signed in philadelphia. Later, it became known as citizenship day. My 20 try that again. What would ikes message about citizenship be to us now . Duty before country was eisenhowers creed. In his reflections, on the first day at west point, he said, when we raise our right hands, and repeated the official oath, a feeling came over me that the expression of the United States of america would, now and henceforth, mean Something Different than it ever had before. From here on, it would be the nation i am, not myself. Eisenhower saw the promise america holds for everyone. A reciprocal responsibility to serve the country that offers so much. As he said it has first it in his inaugural address, first it is the firm duty of each of our free citizens to place the cause of his country before the comfort and convenience of himself. Putting his country before himself meant many things in eisenhowers life. It meant moving from place to place, often to other countries. It often meant leaving his family behind. It meant bearing the responsibility of sending hundreds of thousands of sailors, soldiers, and airmen into peril. It meant sacrifice as we see reflected in the soldiers of the 101st airborne listening to their commander on the eve of of dday. Ok, lets go. In this memorial, we see the age we see the comingofage of eisenhower and america, embodied in the dreams of a young man. Just as eisenhower left abilene at 20 to go to west point, and later selected to be the supreme allied commander during world war ii, and then president of the United States, america, too, was transitioning from Humble Beginnings to global leadership, and ike led the way. The legacy of that emergence of america can be seen in the tapestry in peacetime, normandy in peace, a symbol of the sacrifice made there to liberate europe and secure freedom from nazi tierney, saving western democracy. Memorials act as historical touchstones. They are the intersection of memories and history. They are meant to inspire contemplation and reflection about events and people, like eisenhower, who shaped our history profoundly. I hope this memorial not only makes us more aware of eisenhowers accomplishments and where we would be as a nation or World Without him, without his vision and leadership, but even more importantly, i hope it causes us to reflect on where we are today, and what we are, as individuals, and a society. And what we can do to change the course of the nation and the world. It is incumbent upon us to learn from the past, to apply those principles to our circumstances today, to build on the foundation eisenhower desperately fought to protect and secure. This memorial teaches us that through all of the darkness, there is light. And this memorial comes at exactly the right time to provide light in our troubling times. As we look to the entrance of the memorial i am pointing at, we see the hopes of all young boy and we see the teenage from the small town of kansas, abilene, looking back at us, and we see the hopes of all men and women as we imagine their future , a reminder that we still have within us our own dreams, liberty, and freedom, to make it possible to find our way, to pursue those hopes and dreams, and to seize the opportunities before us. Eisenhower understood that, in a country where destiny is determined not by ones position at birth but by strength of character and determination of spirits, that dreams do come true. Eisenhower understood ones personal ability to chart his or her own course can change the course of the world. That american story, the story of the young boy from abilene, that is celebrated at the entrance to this memorial. For me, as a smalltown kansas boy, i never dreamed i would one day dedicate a memorial to kansas favorite son, dwight David Eisenhower. It is with wonder in my heart that i stand here, near the statues of eisenhower, as general and president and with the towering cliffs of and the towering cliffs behind us, i marvel at the lessons he left us. Life in a small town is not easy, but the rewards come from a community of people who know your name, who know your parents name, and your teachers name. F you fall down a few rungs on the ladder of success, somebody is there to help you climb back. We tear each others victories and stood beside each other in our moments of defeat. No wonder, did 20 eisenhower we cheer each others victories and stood beside each other in our moments of defeat. Declared eisenhower the proudest thing i can claim is that i am from abilene. In closing, i take you back to the moment before eisenhower began his first inaugural address. He asked the crowd for the privilege of offering a prayer of his own. I share some of that with you now. Almighty god, give us the power to discern clearly right from wrong, and allow all of our words and actions to be governed thereby. And for the laws of the land are pray, aressuredly we concerned shall be for all people regardless of station or raise our calling. May cooperation be permitted and be the mutual aim of those under the concepts of our constitution hold two different political faiths, so we may all work for the good of our beloved country and thy glory, amen. May United States of america mean something more to each of us because of eisenhowers legacy and our reflections thank reflections to this memorial, thank you. [applause] please welcome former secretary of state and National Security adviser condoleezza rice. Sec. Rice hello. I am so grateful to have this opportunity to participate, even virtually, in the longoverdue establishment of a memorial to our 34th, president dwight d. Eisenhower. To my good friend, senator pat roberts, thank you for your leadership in bringing us to this day. And to my friend susan, and the entire eisenhower family, thank and to my friend, susan, and the entire eisenhower family, thank you for allowing me to participate. Dwight d. Eisenhower was president when i was born. I dont personally remember many of the events of his presidency, but i have always had a real sense of connection to him, and not just by the accident of the timing of my birth and his tenure. As young girl growing up in birmingham alabama, he was a hero to those who, like my parents and their friends sought and desired so much just to be treated as firstclass citizens in america. They thought justice, and they saw and president eisenhower, a leader who thought justice, too. My father cast his first vote as a republican for dwight d. Eisenhower and he did so with pride. And i remember he thought president eisenhower would make a difference, and make a difference he did. Perhaps none of us will ever forget that it was president eisenhower that protected young, black children as they tried to finally deliver on the Supreme Court decision of brown v. Board of education and to integrate segregated schools in little rock arkansas. That was an act befitting a leader. Dwight d eisenhower was a leader. Then, of course, the Civil Rights Act of 1967 which would create a commission on civil rights and the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department and would lay the groundwork for the landmark civil rights legislation of 1964 and as a 1965. Student and practitioner of international politics, i also felt a connection to president eisenhower, who stood as a giant, the last general to serve as our president. I always believed that he ended the korean war because it was the right thing to do, and also as a soldier, he knew the cost of war, more than most civilians can imagine. Yet, he knew it was not just a matter of ending wars but establishing a just peace throughout the world, and therefore, his administrations administrations National Security strategy, which with warthroughout the cold until its end, guide our policy as facing down the threats of communism in europe and asia. When i had the opportunity as a young staff member at the National Security council in 1989 to 1991, to be a part of that team that finally got to deliver on that promise. The liberation of eastern europe, the unification of germany, and the peaceful collapse of the soviet union, i always try to take a minute to remember truman, eisenhower, and all those who made it possible. Then, of course, in the middle east, president eisenhower would become associated with the eisenhower doctrine, which saw sought to allow america to become a beacon and a shield for those facing aggression in the middle east. I was attracted to this president because he was a Public Servant. In fact, the quintessential Public Servant. Like the general a century and a half before him, george washington, president eisenhower did not seek political life. It sought him. It was a time when our country was emerging onto the world stage as a dominant force for peace and freedom, and when new threats were arising in asia and the middle east. He led us and the alliance we built, particularly nato where he was the first supreme allied commander, to accept those responsibilities with strength and with will, but also with our values solidly at the center of what we did. At this point, i would be remiss if we didnt mention one other connection to president eisenhower. He loved that infuriating game called golf, and so do i. As i look out at our country today, the civil strife, economic and health challenges, questions about who we are and who we want to be, we would do well to remember the legacy of eisenhower. Not just for what he did, but for who he was. Called to service, he served, with humility, and integrity, and love of country. He knew that democracy is not a spectator sport. And though politics was not his chosen profession, he answered the call and made america better as a result. That is what we commemorate today. This soldier statesman who would lead the alliance to wartime victory and help to save civilization, and then return home to lead his country, and the free world, through the challenges and opportunities that victory afforded. And he would seek to right the wrongs that confronted and oppressed black citizens. Believed he was motivated, in part, by having watched the service of black soldiers who were willing to pay the last full measure, and love of america, even when america did not love them. And so he honored them and those like them. He knew that america would not be fully free until all of its people were fully free. Thank you for allowing me to reflect on the legacy of dwight d. Eisenhower. Many will come to visit this splendid place. They will be inspired, and, hopefully, they will be led to play a personal part in sustaining our country and making it better. President eisenhower once said, we must be willing, individually and as a nation, to accept whatever sacrifices may be required of us, a people that values its privileges above its principles will soon lose both. Those are words to live by today. As we face many difficult challenges here in america. Let us remember that democracy is something we all have to own. Democracy is something that doesnt work unless every citizen is involved. In doing so, let us remember the legacy and the example of Dwight D Eisenhower, who called to serve, did so with splendid results for our country. God bless you. God bless the memory of dwight d. Eisenhower. And may god continue to bless the United States of america. Thank you. [applause] former secretary of state condoleezza rice. Here tonight as mentioned by senator roberts is president eisenhowers grandson, David Eisenhower. He is an author, professor, and someone after my own heart, a television host. Please welcome David Eisenhower. [applause] david thank you and congratulations. It is a very good book. Distinguished guests and speakers, members of my family alex,re tonight, my son, my sister marys son. Julie and i are advised my daughters are looking into threet, their children, generation of eisenhowers and total. I wish to say this is a wonderful and longawaited evening. The program calls on me to tell family stories and since it is raining, and a number of speakers have drawn to that, i will tell you our favorite family story. June, 1954, dr. Milton eisenhower is president of penn state. Dwight eisenhower, his brother, his president and commissioned to give a speech at penn state. Penn state is a large university. This is an outdoor event and with thousands gathering it is threatened by rain. You can picture the scene of worry in the president s house as milton is on the phone and pacing the losin living room. At one point dwight remarks, i have never worried about the rain. Such was the life dwight lie eisenhower led. He experienced a life of boldness, decision, bravery, and achievement in the service of his country. My earliest memory of the world is buckled into the nato command plane of 1951. I remember granddad boarding the plane in his uniform. I remember the electricity and energy surrounding him. In the years following not once did i doubt his greatness, knowing his extraordinary mind and spirit, his generosity, fairness, and courage. I will speak tonight as a former commissioner and member of the original commission that in thed 20 years ago effort to complete the eisenhower memorial. We have seen National Memorials do not just come about. We have learned in the process there will always be differing opinions and controversy. Onhave seen success depends dedicated individuals that possess singlemindedness and vision. Our chair was such a member and , to earlyr senators commissioners, that would not settle for less. Vens wife is with us and she is a commissioner now, congratulations. Congratulations to the Board Members in our deepest appreciation to the senators and congressmen who also served. Radel forgeneral carl whom otherwise there would be no memorial. [applause] it is fitting chairman pat roberts has given a keynote tonight. He is uniquely qualified to honor Dwight Eisenhower. He guided this memorial across the finish line and a very special thank you to a true hero, senator bob dole, who hails from Dwight Eisenhowers beloved kansas. Thank you, senator, for the booster provided as commissioner. I would like to say congratulations to my sisters. Notink anne and mary would regret it if i let emphasis to susan. Played a major role in sponsorship for this memorial. Congratulations to the architect who throughout this process held fast to the fundamentals of his design concept, which i was privileged to see in 2007. For instance, i believe a key message conveyed by the memorial is embodied by the statue of young Dwight Eisenhower, a feature of the earliest designs. My feelings were confirmed at the groundbreaking ceremony in the fall of 2017 when i found myself in conversation with a former student of mine, now a prominent pollster. He said he felt emotional about the memorial project because of that statue. He pointed out the eisenhower memorial would be a rare place in washington, d. C. Where young people visiting the capital would actually gaze at a statue and say, that is me or that is my classroom, that is someone like me. Such people would then look beyond that statue to the panorama telling of Dwight Eisenhower and americas accomplishments in war and peace. They would think the americans can do things like that. As we all know the question of memorialization has become an issue over the last couple of years. A truth has emerged in the discussions. Memorials indeed preserve history, and they also do, and must, reflect our values. In the end, i memorial is timelessness and timelessness is something i believe has been achieved by this memorial. I think all of us tonight can hope and pray that a time will never come when americans do not cherish the values depicted here hard work, bravery, optimism, steadfastness, and a vision, and a time when americans do not cherish the story presented here of america at her best and most proud. Thank you very much. [applause] after their successful performance in season 14 of americas got talent voices of service have used their platform to raise awareness of the healing power of music for servicemen and women who are coping with posttraumatic stress and other wounds of war. Here tonight to perform their rendition of battle hymn of the republic welcome caleb green, reames, andhris o jason hannah. [applause] [vocalizing] glory, glory, hallelujah. Glory, glory, hallelujah. Glory, glory, hallelujah, his truth is marching on. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the lord. He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored. Fatefuls loosed the lightning of his terrible swift sword. His truth is marching on. Glory, glory, hallelujah. Glory, glory, hallelujah. Glory, glory, hallelujah, his truth is marching on. Glory, glory, hallelujah. Glory, hallelujah. Hallelujah, his truth is marching on. His truth is marching on. [applause] in addition to being president eisenhowers granddaughter, she is the founding director, first president and chairman of veritas of the eisenhower institute, a think tank located in washington, d. C. And gettysburg, pennsylvania. She is also an author with a new book this summer. Please welcome susan eisenhower. [applause] senator pat roberts, chair of the commission, eisenhower Memorial Commission, members and distinguished guests, it is a pleasure for me to be with you , expressing my gratitudell for those that made the memorial possible. It is with a heavy heart i am unable to be with you tonight. Coronavirus has upset so many plans across america, so many things we wanted to be able to participate in and be present for. Unfortunately, some of my family were unable to be with you tonight and my siblings and i feel a deep sadness that it was not possible we could be together. Because of, coronavirus regulations and other factors we are with you in spirit. I want to make special note of the people who played such a key role, and there are many more, but i want to thank senator pat roberts for his extraordinary leadership. Fornt to thank robert dole his never ending help in assuring the memorial be built. I want to thank frank farren. I want to make special mention of the many donors across our country. I want to take this opportunity also to stand back and think of the progress that was made on this memorial. Much has been written and discussed in the press about early controversies on this design, but they are missing a larger point. It is extraordinary to me the people of goodwill were able to come together and talk about their differences and various ideas for making this memorial a strong and meaningful note to Dwight Eisenhowers leadership. I think this memorial stands as a symbol of compromise and progress and for that i have to thank, personally, secretary james baker who played such an important part of this trajectory. Making sure we had a concept that was big enough that would serve the purposes of history. All of these various sides coming together made this memorial bigger, more meaningful, and more monumental, and i am so deeply grateful for that. Idea toecretary bakers make the backdrop the beaches of normandy in peacetime. Think of the wonderful significance of that. Not only victory in europe, but winning peace after the war. I hope many of you will visit normandy yourself to see what an iconic spot it really is. For the last two and a half years, i have been working on a led and ithow ike was released a month ago. I studied my grandfathers president ial career and dipped back into his wartime leadership that informed so much of his presidency. I was astonished to see how many things i did not know, but also this enormous alliance between the person i knew and the person who is depicted in history books. I was impressed by his grasp of human nature, his belief in our country, and his commitment to serving the constitution. He always put his own personal interest aside, and as a strategic leader, he led as a human being. A toughminded determination to bring victory in europe and bring our country together during a tumultuous time in our history. But he led with his head and also lead with his heart. He was trusted by the American People in his president ial approach to politics assured his administration could serve all segments of american society. He held together during fast technological vast technological and societal change. This is a wonderful space. I am thrilled about the memorial itself, the beautiful tapestry that depicts pontotoc in normandy and the extraordinary opportunity for people to come to this memorial not just to reflect, but also to come and gather with friends. Maybe bring a sandwich and go to the museums after coming to the eisenhower memorial. It would be my idea of a great day. In closing, none of this would have been possible without the creativity and patience, yes frank, the patience of our designer, frank. He conceived of this remarkable tribute to Dwight Eisenhower and his design is enhanced enormously not only by these krims that have never been done before, but the moving statues. In closing, let me thank everyone for their cooperation, for their to compromise, for their vision of what to leave future generations about Dwight Eisenhower, and for the community we are part of. With many thanks, good night. [applause] ladies and gentlemen, susan eisenhower. We want to take a moment to say this memorial speaks for itself, but i have to put in a plug for the eisenhower print doesnt library andl boyhood home in abilene, kansas. If you ever get the chance, take it. I have been about eight times. It is worth doing. This memorial is beautiful. Come. Ment has, this time i would like to ask David Eisenhower, david bernhardt, and the commissioners to come up here for the ribboncutting. , afterwards senator roberts will have Closing Remarks and will hand over the key to this memorial to secretary bernhardt. Please welcome the commissioners. [applause] [cheering and applause] hello, secretary. Finally, senator pat roberts. Well, the department of interior to the National Park service is entrusted to serve as the steward and guardian of our National Parks and monuments and battlefields. Each side helps tell americas story and it is a rich and incredible story. Secretarysthe speech. It sort of fits. Mr. Secretary, i give you the dedication september 17, 2020 to the Dwight D Eisenhower memorial, served as chairman for 21 years and i thought this would never come. Mr. Secretary, thank you. Thank you so much. You can read your speech. [laughter] [applause] thank you. Thank you so much. Aware i am the only thing standing between you and a roof. Let me be brief. This often highlights action by incredible individuals and that is the case at the eisenhower memorial. Tonight, we come together to celebrate this dedication. It is a moment that represents years of effort by you and many others not gathered here tonight. , the thoughts, the conception, and effort that went into this memorial is similar to the effort that has gone into the development of memorials throughout the d. C. Area and or federal lands. Each of these memorials was carefully crafted, delicately placed on federal property, each telling an important story. Here we have an inspirational incrediblerose to an challenge and lead our great nation to a moment that propelled us forward. Telling stories like this are important to our national identity. Regrettably, throughout this year we have seen some have a different perspective. They wish to deface, destroy, or remove, or reconstitute works of art like this memorial. Some are trying to do that the criminal means. Such criminal actions will not be tolerated, crimes will be investigated, and the penalties are severe. Each effort to reimagine a federal memorial should undergo the same thoughtful process that led to the creation of what we celebrate here tonight. Rather than removing and revising the memorials great leaders the Trump Administration believes we must tell more stories o of exceptional actions by exceptional people. All of whom can inspire us young adult. Therefore i humbly accept the eisenhower memorial as the 420th unit of the National Park system. Thank you and god bless america. [applause] thank you, mr. Secretary. In closing, i would like to wing ofe 177th fighter the new Jersey National guard for conducting tonights flyover. It was fantastic, even in the rain. [applause] thank rachel,o voices of service, the theidents own marine band, thet Airborne Division, west point glee club. We are so proud they answered the call to participate, especially tonight. Now to conclude tonights Program Voices of service will perform their renditions of and america the beautiful and would be followed by the marine band which will close is out. It has been an honor to be the emcee tonight. Fruition of a process that book took me to. Thank you for being here tonight. God bless and have a safe night. [applause] falls theith me, fast eventide. Lord, darkness deepens. Ith me abide fail andther helpers lee. Orts f help of the helpless, oh, abide with me. I fear no foe, with thee at hand to bless. Weight, and tears no bitterness. Where is deaths sting . Victory . Ave,thy thou abide still, if with me. Other helpers fail and lee. Orts f help of the helpless, oh, abide with me. [applause] march along, sing along, with the army of the free. True,the brave, count the who have fought to victory. We are the army, and proud of our name. We are the army, and proudly proclaim. First to fight for the right and build the nations might and the Army Goes Rolling along. Done of all we have fighting till the battle is w n. Where arrigo th the Army Goes Rolling along. The Army Goes Rolling along. [applause] [humming] oh beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain. Or Purple Mountain majesties in. Ve the fruited pla america, suite americsweet amed shed his grace on thee. Withsweety good brotherhood. Shining sea. O. Merica, america thee. Shed his grace on and crown thy good with shiningood from sea to sea. To shining sea. [vocalizing] [applause] announcer tonight in 1997 video companion to the air force reports on the 1947 roswell incident in the new mexico desert which argues nasa and air force experiments, and accidents, were behind public settings of ufos. Here is a preview. Dummies, alsophic known as crash test dummies, are easily identifiable and are even stars of their own auto safety advertising campaign. 1950s, during the Public Awareness was still decades away for these important scientific tools. 19591953 to anthropomorphic dummies were used by the u. S. Air force laboratory and projects high dive and excelsior. The Main Objective was to study methods for returning a pilot or astronaut safely to earth if forced to eject at High Altitudes. For these tests, dummies were transported up to 98,000 feet by highaltitude balloons. [wind blowing] the dummies were released for a freefall period during which body movements and escape equipment were recorded by a variety of instruments. [helicopter blades] many of the dummies landed outside the confines of military reservations and were observed by local civilians. Following a series of dummy , now a human subject retired colonel, made three bailouts from highaltitude balloons. These and other projects that used both dummies and human test subjects were unclassified and widely publicized in press and other media. In 1956, 20th century fox released on the threshold of ande, a feature film filmed on location. Aircraft,personnel, High Altitude balloons, and other equipment, including the anthropomorphic dummies were used in the making of the film. Reports ofess military units that always seemed to arrive shortly after the crash of a flying saucer were actually accurate descriptions of air force personnel engaged in High Altitude balloon and anthropomorphic dummy recovery. Since 1947 Atmospheric Research organizations in new mexico have launched and recovered 2500 High Altitude balloons, many in the same areas of new mexico where the roswell incident allegedly occurred. Additionally, the equipment, vehicles, and procedures used by the air force base balloon branch, the unit that conducted the launches, are the same as that described by the reputed witnesses who claim they saw the recovery of the flying saucer and alien crew. These huge High Altitude balloons launched by the Holloman Balloon Branch carried aloft a wide range of sophisticated, and for most perspectives, odd devices. Much of the equipment was experimental and represented, for that era, the latest in spaceage technologies. Payloads ranged from simple radio tarranc transmitters to nasa space probes. Announcer learn more about the roswell reports tonight at 10 00 p. M. Eastern, 7 00 p. M. Pacific on American History tv. The cspan cities tour explores the american story. Since 2011 we have been to more than 200 communities across the nation. Like Many Americans our staff is staying close to home due to the coronavirus. Next and look at one of our city tour visits. The battleship missouri, 53,000 ton
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