By: Ryan Duey
Photos Courtesy of Eisenhower Library
The Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum will commemorate the anniversary of D-Day with various events, starting with a special screening of “Winning the War” on Friday, June 6th, at 2:00 p.m. in the Visitors Center.
Todd Arrington, Director, spoke about the special screening.
“We’ll be doing a screening of a PBS Kansas City documentary called ‘Winning the War.’ This documentary looks at the legacies of Dwight Eisenhower and Harry Truman as two of the pivotal figures who brought World War II to a close in Europe.”
“After the screening, there will be a panel discussion with a number of people who either worked on it or appeared in it.”
On Saturday, June 7th, the Library grounds will be full of attendees during the annual Symphony at Sunset Commemoration Concert. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs to enjoy the concerts. Arrington spoke about a few of the many activities taking place on this day.
“Starting at 4:00 p.m., we’ll have activities. There will be food vendors, we’ll have an opening act, ‘The Blades’ playing at 5:30.”
“There will be a performer in the Place of Meditation, where Ike and Mami Eisenhower are laid to rest, playing the harp.”
“We’ll have the First Infantry Division band here, Mounted Color Guard demonstrations, and then, of course, this is all leading up to the Salina Symphony at Sunset Concert that starts at 8:30.”
The museum will also offer free admission during the Symphony at Sunset event. Arrington said in the case of inclement weather, the event will take place on Sunday, June 8th.
The Commemoration will culminate with another special screening on Saturday, June 14th, at 2:00 p.m. in the Visitors Center. Arrington said the filmmaker will also be in attendance.
“We’ll be showing another documentary on June 14th. This one is called ‘Running Towards the Fire, a War Correspondent’s Story.’ This documentary is about an American war correspondent who actually jumped into Normandy as part of the D-Day invasion to cover the war for the American Press.”
“The filmmaker Barney McCoy, a Professor at the University of Nebraska, will be here that day to introduce the film and talk to people afterwards and answer questions.”
Both Screenings are free to attend and will include special guests speaking and answering questions about the documentaries afterwards.
More information on all the commemorative events and activities taking place on the Eisenhower Presidential grounds can be found at https://www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov/.
