The hope and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you...I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory!
-- General Dwight D. Eisenhower — Order of the Day, June 6, 1944
This year marks the 82nd anniversary of the D-Day invasion, the largest seaborne assault in history. After years of preparation, General Dwight D. Eisenhower gave the order that would change the course of the world. On June 6, 1944, more than 160,000 Allied soldiers stormed the beaches of Normandy, facing overwhelming resistance. Victory was secured but at a tremendous cost, with over 10,300 Allied casualties.
Behind that decision stood one man: Eisenhower. A son of rural Kansas, he rose from “the very heart of America” to lead the Allied forces and later serve as President of the United States. His legacy continues to inspire, but just as important are the stories of the soldiers he led.
Today, as the number of living World War II veterans declines, we face an urgent responsibility: to preserve their stories for future generations.
That is why The Eisenhower Foundation is continuing to expand Ike’s Soldiers, our digital archive honoring the men and women who served under General Eisenhower. Through this initiative, we are ensuring that each soldier’s story, each act of courage, and each sacrifice is remembered and shared with the youth of America.
As we approach the June 6 anniversary, a generous donor, Mark Schlipman, has issued a special D-Day Challenge in honor of his grandfather and World War II veteran, George Harvey:
My wife, Tricia, and I are proud to support The Eisenhower Foundation’s efforts to honor the heroes of our military. My grandfather, George Harvey, served with Merrill’s Marauders in the China-Burma-India Theater, alongside brave men who endured unimaginable conditions in defense of freedom. His service reminds us that the legacy of General Eisenhower and the Greatest Generation must not only be remembered but carried forward. We are honored to help preserve their stories for future generations, and we hope others will join us in being heroes to our heroes.
Every gift made by June 30 will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000.
Your past support has meant a great deal to us. Thank you! Renewing your support today will have twice the impact, helping us both:
This 14,000-square-foot Education Center will serve thousands of students each year through our K–12 IKEducation programs, while also reaching distance learners around the world. At its heart will be a dedicated Ike’s Soldiers space where visitors can connect directly with the lives and legacies of the servicemembers who helped secure freedom and peace for the world.
Make a gift to ensure future generations appreciate Dwight D. Eisenhower’s legacy and recognize the sacrifices of our World War II heroes.
The Eisenhower Foundation has a commitment to accountability, transparency, and excellence in our mission to champion the life and enduring legacy of Dwight D. Eisenhower to inspire leadership, character, and service.
