The Eisenhower Society will commemorate Dwight D. Eisenhower’s 135th birthday on Saturday, Oct. 11, with its annual statue ceremony and luncheon featuring awards, student scholarships, and a talk on the former president’s vision for America’s highways.
The public ceremony begins at 12 noon at the Eisenhower at Gettysburg statue outside the Eisenhower Admissions Building at Gettysburg College. The program will include readings from Eisenhower’s memoirs, brief remarks by Society officials, and a wreath laying. The Eisenhower Memorial and the Robert M. Hoffman Family Trust Scholarships will be presented to four Gettysburg College students, and the Eisenhower Society ROTC Leadership Award will recognize an outstanding ROTC cadet.
At 1 p.m., attendees are invited to a buffet luncheon at the Dobbin House. The menu features Chicken Coq Au Vin, Baked Ham with Pineapple Raisin Sauce, Penne Pasta with Tomato Sauce, sides including rice pilaf, roasted potatoes, buttered dilled carrots and green beans almondine, a 25-item salad bar, fresh-baked breads, and desserts such as fudge brownies, blueberry trifle, gingerbread with lemon sauce, and Colonial pudding cake. Tickets are $35 per person; luncheon registration closes at 12 noon on Monday, Oct. 6.
Following lunch, Professor Brian Black of Penn State University–Altoona, an authority on American environmental history, will deliver the keynote address, “Ike’s Road Trip.” His talk, based on his recent book of the same title, explores Eisenhower’s role in a 1919 cross-country Army convoy—a formative experience that helped inspire his later push for a national road network, launched during his presidency with passage of the National Highway Act. Black’s book will be available for purchase and signing after the program.
For questions or sponsorship information, contact Executive Director Carol Hegeman at 717-398-2349.
Source: Dwight D. Eisenhower Society