Episode 186: Honoring Eisenhower

After finishing his service as a Supreme Commander in World War II, Dwight D. Eisenhower was given many notable awards and was greeted by millions of people who wanted to show their gratitude for his service. In London millions of people gathered to listen to his address to Parliament and watch as he was granted "Freedom Of The City". When he returned home to the U.S. he was greeted first in the nations capitol where he received the keys to the city and then as he went on to New York City he was greeted by an overwhelming 4 million people.

Episode Transcript

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Welcome to World War Two chronicles aweekly tribute to Americas fighting men and women
in commemoration of the Second World War. These programs are narrated by Ed Hrlihy
and are based on the news broadcastsof the war period from the recorded sound
collection of the National Archives in Washington, d C. He freed millions,

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and they gave thanks to the Generalof the Army Dwight Eisenhower. First in
London, where tens of thousands watchedas Ike is given the freedom of the
city at that time, an honorgranted only to five Americans. Whether or
not you know it, I amnow a londonman myself. I've got just

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as much right to be down inthat crowd yelling as you have. The
great difference that I see in thecity and when I came three years ago
is right here. We can nowhave crowds, There can be happy gatherings.

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You don't have to listen for amotor in the sky and wonder whether
it's a pilot in the blankety blankthing or not. The Allied Army's Supreme
Commander moved on to France, wherehe was decorated with the Medal of Liberation
by General Charles de gaul and finallyback to Washington, whereover a million people
forgot the heat and humidity to welcomethe chief. Welcoming him to Washington is

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Mamie, the wife who waited sopatiently for her conquering hero. It's a
great day for the Eisenhower's of Abilene, Kansas, and the nation's capital puts
on the biggest demonstration in its history. As a million cheering home folks lie
in the historic parade route, thedistrict commissioners present Ike with the keys to
the city, while a procession pausesbriefly on the way to the Capitol and

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then moves on down Pennsylvania Avenue pastthe wildly cheering throngs. Members of Congress
and other dignitaries packing the House Chamberheard this in our minds and hearts.
There is no slightest doubt that ourpeople's spirit of determination, which has buoyed

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us up and driven us forward inEurope, will continue to fire this nation
through the ordeals of battle yet tocome. Though we dream of return to
our loved ones, we are ready, as we have always been, to
do our duty to our country,no matter what it may be. All
of this however, was only aprelude to New York City, where four

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million people Grantedike the greatest welcome ourhero had ever seen. I'm in Hurley,
Join me next time for World WarTwo Chronicles. World War Two Chronicles
was produced by the American Veterans Centerand Radio America in cooperation with the National
Archives. To listen to more episodes, subscribe on iTunes, or visit American

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Veterans Center dot org. We needyour help to keep the legacy of our
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