Chapman and Abilene 7th graders will be immersed in 1950s culture on Oct. 6-7, respectively. As part of their day they will meet President Eisenhower as portrayed by Bruce Hoff of the University of Texas Institute of Texan Cultures at San Antonio. Hoff will also portray General Eisenhower and greet visitors in the museum on Wednesday, Oct. 5.
David and Julie Nixon Eisenhower will debut their new book “Going Home to Glory” on President Eisenhower's birthday, at 7 p.m. Oct. 14, in the Visitors Center auditorium. A reception including birthday cake will follow the book talk and signing. The official release date of the book is Oct. 26; however, a small number of advance copies will be available for purchase in the Presidential Gift Shop the night of the program.
In partnership with Abilene Public Library, “Going Home to Glory” is the first of this year's Eisenhower Book Talk Series. RSVPs for this event can be made by calling (785) 263-6700 or register on Facebook.
Members of the Kansas Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Posts will begin their annual vigil and stand guard over the final resting place of the President at the Place of Meditation. The vigil will begin at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 15 and continue overnight through the early morning hours Oct. 16.
The Annual Legacy Dinner will be held Friday, Oct. 15 in the library building beginning with a reception at 6:15 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. The featured speaker is Geoff Loftus, author of “Lead Like Ike: Ten Business Strategies from the CEO of D-Day.” Space is still available for the dinner and costs $60 per person or $75 with a signed copy of “Lead Like Ike.” Reservations are required by Oct. 8 and can be made by sending the reservation form and check payable to Eisenhower Foundation, P.O. Box 295, Abilene, Kan. 67410.
A wreath laying ceremony is slated for 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 16. The Deputy Commanding General Rear BG David Petersen and Division Command Sergeant Major Rear CSM Buddy Wallace will lead a procession and place a wreath at the burial site of President Eisenhower. Following the ceremony, the Kansas American Legion Annual Pilgrimage will be held at the Eisenhower Statue in the center of the campus grounds.