Greetings from Columbia, MO
The drive across the flat expanses and green, rolling hills of the Kansas prairie was prettier than I expected. The highlight of the day, though, was our stopover in Abilene, Kansas. We were ready for breakfast/lunch, and decided we would stop there and at least drive by the Eisenhower Library and Museum. Then we decided what the heck, we're here anyway, let's check it out.
We didn't have time for the library, but the museum is a must see. There is so much history it's hard to take it all in. I could have spent at least a full day there. The exhibits tell the story of America from WWII and our transformation into a world superpower to the dawn of a new era of technology and communication. The world got a lot smaller and a lot more complicated on Eisenhower's watch.
Except for some questionable foreign polices that led to the cold war (which he tried to prevent with some pretty radical ideas), turmoil in the Middle East, and eventually Vietnam, most would have to agree that he was a great man and a great president. The Interstate Highway System, NASA, the massive expansion of our National Parks system, his work on nuclear non-proliferation, and his commitment to fiscal responsibility are tributes to a presidency that was about doing the right thing for the good of America and the people. He represented everything good about the Republican Party that was. I won't comment here on what has become of his party's legacy, but I'm pretty sure he wouldn't approve.
In addition to the incredible military history and weapons exhibits (Mrs. Bubba was fascinated to learn that IBM, GM, and a postal scales company made some of the infantry rifles in a time when everyone pitched in to do whatever they could), the section on his presidency depicted life in America during the 1950's and early sixties. It brought back many adolescent memories. There was a recreation of a typical 1950's living room, with old newscasts playing on a black and white TV. I swear it could have been our living room. I'm sure there are millions of others my age who could say the same thing.
The one thing that struck me as a perfect example of his character and leadership was a handwritten note, which is visible on the right in the photo of the Operation Overlord introductory exhibit below. I have transcribed it here:
Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops. My decision to attack at this time and place was based upon the best information available. The troops, the air and the Navy did all that Bravery and devotion to duty could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone.According to the exhibit, he had written a similar note for every amphibious operation in the war, but had torn up all the others. This one, written one day before D-Day, was curiously dated July 5th. He said it was a careless error.
Anyway, if you are ever in the area I highly recommend you visit the Eisenhower Library and Museum.
It looks like we're only a little over 600 miles out, but we might stop off in Nashville to visit Mrs. Bubba's sister. I expect we will be home by sometime tomorrow. As much as I am looking forward to being home, this has been a pretty awesome road trip. We could probably be talked into turning the Bubbamobile north and following the Mighty Mo up into Montana. If the rivers weren't all muddy and swollen from the spring runoff you wouldn’t even have to twist my flycasting arm.
OK, then. Some photos from yesterday...
Eisenhower's boyhood home
Introduction to the Operation Overlord D-Day exhibits
Inscription: Champion of Peace
Place of Meditation -- Eisenhower's final resting place
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