Since the passing of Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1969, the Eisenhower Foundation has honored his legacy with an annual wreath-laying ceremony at the Place of Meditation, his final resting place in Abilene, Kansas, on his birthday, October 14. This long-standing tradition serves as a reflection of the profound respect and admiration for the 34th president, commemorating his remarkable contributions to the nation.

Recently, the Eisenhower Foundation was honored to receive a gift from the estate of Robert “Bob” Kieve. Mr. Kieve joined President Eisenhower’s White House staff in 1953 as a speechwriter. In 2017, Mr. Kieve spoke about his experience at the Eisenhower Legacy Gala. He shared humorous recollections of “suffering the Eisenhower pencil” — a poke at Ike’s tendency to edit everything. Mr. Kieve was also a recipient of the Eisenhower Legacy Award for his efforts to champion the life, leadership and legacy of Dwight D. Eisenhower.

IKEducation is finding new and exciting ways to serve students during the fall semester of the 2021-22 academic year. So far, IKE Online, our virtual K-12 education program, has reached 11 states and 3 countries. Additionally, IKE Express is taking programs into classrooms throughout the state of Kansas. This global growth would not be possible without the support from donors across the country.

The Eisenhower Foundation and IKEducation are partnering with Wreaths Across America (WAA) to share classroom resources with schools across the

country. This collaboration is part of WAA’s expanded education initiative that aligns with the organization’s 2022 theme, Find A Way to Serve. The inspiration for the theme came partly from the American Rosie Movement, which highlights the stories of the World War II-era women known as Rosie the Riveters. As part of this education initiative, IKEducation’s lesson plans will be featured on the WAA website.

The annual Symphony at Sunset D-Day Commemoration Concert will take place on June 4, set against the historic backdrop of the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene, Kansas. This cherished event will feature stirring performances from the Salina Symphony and the Fort Riley 1st Infantry Division Band, alongside local bands and solo artists. Attendees can enjoy an evening filled with beautiful music honoring the legacy of D-Day, while also exploring educational activities and exhibits that bring history to life.

With 2022 in full swing, we are excited to share our strategic plan for the year ahead. Upon reflection, a silver lining in the COVID-19 pandemic is that it was an opportunity to carefully reexamine our organization’s current capital and digital needs. We believe that seizing this opportunity is crucial to sustaining our organization for the next 75 years.

IKEducation was thrilled to welcome the first school group back on campus since the pandemic closed the Eisenhower Presidential Museum in early 2020. 

In June, Augusta Elementary toured the Museum with IKEducators and participated in the program Attic Artifacts: World War II Kids. Students analyze artifacts while also learning about some of the aspects of life for kids, just like them, on the American Homefront during WWII.