Last week the Associated Press ran a story about the Eisenhower Memorial and the delay of its consideration by the National Capital Planning Commission. Since this issue is a public matter, our family is publishing the full letter quoted in the story. The letter, posted below, was written by John S.D. Eisenhower to Senator Daniel Inouye, vice chairman of the Eisenhower Memorial Commission. My father, John S.D. Eisenhower, is the only surviving child of Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower and executor of his father’s will.
Thank you for sharing this letter Ms. Eisenhower. I’m sorry to hear that others feel like they can disregard the feelings of family with regard to this matter. As a moderate Republican (still!) I too think that your grandfather would have eschewed extravagance and glorification even though he was thoroughly deserving of it. It is my hope that Senator Daniel Inouye takes your fathers’ letter to heart.
An accurate response to an clearly inappropriate memorial design.
My goodness Susan…
The urgency and honestly of the letter is so honest and truthful. That the family and your Father’s requests in behalf of one of the greatest Presidents in U.S. history, speaks volumes for the unspoken “knowledge” of what President Eisenhower stood for in our Country. RARE he was, indeed…I would imagine if he were here now, he would have plenty of truths to “publicly share!”
Best regards to your family in this matter…I just LOVE this sincerity here- if it doesn’t adequately represent what “Ike” stood for, what’s the point? Deaf ears are too rampant these days…That too, also speaks volumes…
Susan, the elegance and circumspection of the letter is something one would expect of your father, and is to be regarded highly.
Your father’s comments are so totally on target in laying out his opposition to the plan of the Commission; also most inspiring regarding his proposal for a modest, yet eloquent memorial to your grandfather.
Hi Susan, Putting my personal feelings for you, your family and President E aside, the letter presents the issues, goals and objectives of the memorial very clearly and in a thoughtful and sensitive manner. (would I expect anything less?) However, I hope the reader(s) get the deeper meaning and frustration that I get in the careful wording, short of pleading, for LISTEN, not just to the family, but for the substance of what and for whom this memorial is for. The arrogance of those who “know” what your grandfather would like is disquieting, even for Washington. Best regards , Bob
Bob Hanfling bhanfling@hanfling.com
That letter says it all. The Eisenhower Memorial should spark the interest in this President so viewers can pursue learning more about the man. The family seems to me to be the best judge of what is an appropriate tribute to the man and the President.
THANK YOU SUSAN FOR SHARING YOUR FATHER’S LETTER REGARDING THE MEMORIAL. HOPEFULLY THE COMMISSION WILL FOLLOW THE FAMILY ADVICE AND PUT THIS ON THE BACK BURNER UNTIL A MORE A FRESH LOOK CAN BE TAKEN TO THIS PROJECT.
PAUL J. HANSEN