The Great General Dwight D. Eisenhower New Memorial

The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to victory! General Dwight D. Eisenhower
D-Day address to troops, June 6, 1944

FIRST INAUGURAL ADDRESS
Washington, DC | January 20, 1953
We must be ready to dare all for our country. For history does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid. We must acquire proficiency in defense and display stamina in purpose. 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 soon loses both. v Patriotism means equipped forces and a prepared citizenry. Moral stamina means more energy and more productivity, on the farm and in the factory. Love of liberty means the guarding of every resource that makes freedom possible — from the sanctity of our families and the wealth of our soil to the genius of our scientists. And so each citizen plays an indispensable role. The productivity of our heads, our hands and our hearts is the source of all the strength we can command, for both the enrichment of our lives and the winning of the Peace. v This is the hope that beckons us onward in this century of trial. This is the work that awaits us all, to be done with bravery, with charity and with prayer to almighty God.

Located at the base of Capitol Hill, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial is surrounded by the U.S. Department of Education, the Federal Aviation Administration, Voice of America, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services — all institutions to which Eisenhower was closely connected Together, these buildings demonstrate Eisenhower’s broad promotion of improved national infrastructure, the foundation upon which he worked to build “a peace with justice in a world where moral law prevails.”

At the center of the site is the contemplative memorial space where Eisenhower’s legacy unfolds. Heroic-sized bronze sculptures, stone bas reliefs, and quotations
from his most famous speeches and addresses celebrate Eisenhower’s contributions to our nation as Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in World War II and as the nation’s 34th President.

General Eisenhower is commemorated in a bronze sculpture inspired by the famous photograph taken
with the Army’s 101st Airborne Division before their Normandy invasion. Behind the sculptures is a bas relief depicting the landings at Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944.
Eisenhower as the 34th President of the United States
is commemorated in a bronze sculptural grouping. Flanking the president are figures representative of civilian interests and military power, with Eisenhower firmly in charge of balancing the two forces.

Behind the sculptures is a map of the world in bas relief symbolizing Eisenhower’s internationalism and role as a world statesman.

A life-sized sculpture of young Eisenhower and an inscription excerpted from his “Abilene Homecoming Speech” connect with Eisenhower’s personal story as
a humble citizen, raised in America’s heartland, and welcomes visitors as they enter the memorial at the northwest plaza.
The memorial is framed by a unique transparent tapestry which features an image of France’s Normandy coastline made from artistically woven stainless steel cable. The iconic Pointe du Hoc landmark featured in peacetime symbolically represents the peace Eisenhower won as Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in World War II, and the peace he kept and nurtured
as the 34th President during a unique time when the United States emerged onto the global stage.

Through self-sacrifice, dedication, and belief in the American spirit, Dwight D. Eisenhower truly and positively shaped our nation in countless ways.

As the philanthropic partner of the National Park Service dedicated to restoring, enriching, and preserving the National Mall, the Trust will help oversee the maintenance and volunteer programs of the new Eisenhower Memorial. The Trust accepts private donations to support the long-term maintenance of this and other memorials, and its volunteer programs and educational opportunities, to ensure that the National Mall endures and evolves as a vibrant space for all.