The Proudest Thing...

He was the third of seven sons.  He was a high school athlete.  He was a husband, a father.  He was a five star general.  He was the 34th President of the United States, from the 34th state admitted to the Union.  You all know who I'm talking about, because we all still "Like Ike."  I'm talking about Dwight David Eisenhower.

June 6, 1944. D-Day. D-Day, or "Operation Overlord," as it was codenamed, was the largest mission of its scope before or since its execution.  It was the largest air, land, and sea operation, including 5,000 ships, 11,000 airplanes, and over 150,000 servicemen.  These brave men invaded five beaches of Normandy: Gold, Sword, Juno, Omaha, and Utah, and halted Hitler's idea of world domination. Eisenhower served as the Supreme Commander for this invasion, some people even referring to it as "Ike's Invasion."  The morning of June 6, this snippet was heard from his Order of the Day: "Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you."

The Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, & Boyhood Home is celebrating D-Day +70 Years this Friday and Saturday, and you're invited.  This is the greatest international commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of D-Day in the United States. The weekend will include a remembrance ceremony, documentary viewing and panel discussions, concerts, military re-enactors, vintage military vehicle equipment displays, and a C-47 flyover. Concluding the commemoration is the Salina Symphony performing the Symphony at Sunset D-Day Concert. Food and beverages will be available Saturday afternoon and evening allowing families to picnic on the grounds and participate in all the day's activities.

What an amazing honor Abilene has by being home to the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, & Boyhood Home and this event. Hundreds of people will be coming to Abilene this weekend to celebrate with us and bring dollars and commerce into our community. Upon returning from the war, Dwight D. Eisenhower said, "The proudest thing I can claim is that I am from Abilene."  Well, Ike, the sentiment certainly goes both ways, because one of the proudest things we can claim is having the privilege of having you as a resident. Show your pride this weekend by helping celebrate Friday and Saturday.

As always, you can contact the Chamber at 785-263-1770, or chamber@abileneks.net.