Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial facts for kids

The Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial is a special place in Washington, D.C. It honors Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was a very important leader. He was the top commander of the Allied forces in Europe during World War II. Later, he became the 34th President of the United States.

The idea for this memorial started a long time ago. On October 25, 1999, the United States Congress decided to create a commission. This group was tasked with building a lasting memorial for Eisenhower.

The first design for the memorial was made by a famous architect named Frank Gehry. Some people had different ideas about his design, so there was a lot of discussion. After several years of talks and changes to the design, it was finally approved in 2015.

After more than 15 years of planning, Congress approved money for the memorial in 2017. On November 2, 2017, important people gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony. This happened at the four-acre site in Washington D.C. The memorial was supposed to be officially opened on May 8, 2020. This date was special because it was the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. However, the opening was moved to September 17, 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Who Was Dwight D. Eisenhower?

Dwight D. Eisenhower, often called "Ike," was a key figure in American history. He was born in Texas in 1890 and grew up in Kansas. He chose a career in the military.

Eisenhower's Role in World War II

During World War II, Eisenhower became a very important general. He was the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force. This means he was in charge of all the Allied armies in Western Europe. He led the huge D-Day invasion in 1944. This invasion helped free Europe from Nazi control. His leadership was crucial to winning the war.

Eisenhower as President

After the war, Eisenhower became a national hero. In 1952, he was elected the 34th President of the United States. He served two terms, from 1953 to 1961. As president, he focused on keeping peace and building up the country. He started the Interstate Highway System. This project created many of the major roads we use today. He also worked to improve education and civil rights.

Designing the Memorial

Creating a memorial for such an important person takes a lot of thought. The goal was to make a place that would tell Eisenhower's story. It also needed to inspire future generations.

The Architect's Vision

Frank Gehry is known for his unique and modern building designs. His first ideas for the Eisenhower Memorial were very different. They included large metal tapestries and statues. These ideas led to many discussions and debates. People wanted to make sure the memorial truly honored Eisenhower in the best way.

Approving the Final Design

Over several years, the design was reviewed by many groups. These included the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts. They looked at how the memorial would fit into Washington D.C. They also considered what it would mean to visitors. After many changes and discussions, the final design was approved in 2015. This allowed the building process to begin.

Building the Memorial

Once the design was approved, the next step was to build the memorial. This was a big project that took several years.

Groundbreaking Ceremony

The official start of construction happened on November 2, 2017. This was the groundbreaking ceremony. Important leaders and Eisenhower's family members were there. They celebrated the beginning of this important project. The site is a four-acre area in the heart of Washington D.C.

The Memorial's Features

The completed memorial features large metal tapestries that show scenes from Eisenhower's life. There are also statues of Eisenhower at different stages of his life. One statue shows him as a young boy. Another shows him as a general during the war. A third statue shows him as president. These elements help tell the story of his journey from a boy to a world leader.

Images for kids

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  U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower earlier commanded Allied forces in World War II.

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  Susan Eisenhower advocated a "living memorial" rather than a monument.

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  Site of the proposed Eisenhower Memorial (red boundary) in Washington, D.C.

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  Frank Gehry in 2007, about the time he won the memorial design competition.

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  Members of the Commission of Fine Arts in 2013, who initially approved the memorial's concept, then later issued strong critiques of the design.

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  Rocco Siciliano was the first chairman of the Eisenhower Memorial Commission.

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  Eisenhower Memorial Facing East, December 2020

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  Eisenhower Memorial Washington DC Facing Southeast, December 2020

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  Eisenhower Memorial Facing West, December 2020

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  Eisenhower Memorial View from Independence Avenue

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  Plaque Near Statue of Ike as a Boy at Eisenhower Memorial

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  View of the Eisenhower Memorial Looking Over the Shoulder of the Boyhood Statue

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  Rear View of Sculpture that Represents Eisenhower at War at Eisenhower Memorial

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  Plaque on Column at North West Corner of Memorial

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  Rear View of Sculpture that Represents Eisenhower's Presidency at Eisenhower Memorial

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  Plaque on Column at North East Corner of Memorial

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  Information on Side of Sculpture that Represents Eisenhower's Presidency at Eisenhower Memorial

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  Rear View of Tapestry at Eisenhower Memorial

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  Plaque Outside Gift Shop at Eisenhower Memorial

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  Gift Shop at Eisenhower Memorial

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  Site of the memorial under construction