Honoring a Great President at the Eisenhower Memorial

Posted on by Jody Arneson
Eisenhower Memorial

The Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial is one of the newest memorials in Washington DC. This memorial honors Eisenhower as the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe during World War II and the 34th President of the United States.

Eisenhower was an American politician who served as President of the United States between 1953 and 1961. He was a five-star general in the U.S. Army during World War II and served as Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe. He was responsible for planning and supervising the invasion of North Africa in Operation Torch in 1942–43 and the successful invasion of France and Germany in 1944–45 from the Western Front. In 1951, he became the first Supreme Commander of NATO.

Eisenhower’s two terms saw considerable economic prosperity. He was voted Gallup’s most admired man 12 times, and achieved widespread popular esteem both in and out of office.

Right photo courtesy of the National Park Service

In fact, Eisenhower is now deemed to be one of the greatest U.S. Presidents. He was a moderate conservative who continued New Deal agencies and expanded Social Security. He also launched the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), established strong science education via the National Defense Education Act, and encouraged peaceful use of nuclear power via amendments to the Atomic Energy Act.

Eisenhower Memorial Symbolism

The memorial features heroic-sized bronze sculptures, stone bas reliefs, quotations from his most famous speeches and addresses, and a first-of-its-kind tapestry. The stainless steel tapestry of the Normandy coast is amazing.

Left photo courtesy of the National Park Service

This memorial uses the lines of the city to present Eisenhower’s legacy as American president and general in an open air format. The large columns and stone throughout the memorial grounds provide visitors an oasis along the Independence avenue promenade.

You may be taken aback by the tall grass. Yes, at first it looks unkempt. But the tall grass represents the prairies of Kansas, Eisenhower’s birthplace. The two big pillars represent the two pillars of his legacy- military and presidency.

Know Before You Go

There’s a small gift shop and rest rooms available at the memorial. The memorial is a short walk from the Museum of the American Indian and U.S. Botanical Garden.

Getting there: 540 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC
Hours: Daylight
Website: National Park Service

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