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New Statehouse Statue Commemorates Dwight Eisenhower

The statue on the Statehouse grounds. (Photo by Stephen Koranda)
The statue on the Statehouse grounds. (Photo by Stephen Koranda)

The wraps came off a new statue Monday at the Kansas Statehouse commemorating President Dwight Eisenhower, who grew up in Abilene. Members of the Eisenhower family and state officials were there to unveil the bronze depiction of the 34th president.

“Ike is the true definition of a leader," Governor Colyer said. “Ike taught us that in order to effectively lead, you need to listen and serve, a model for all Kansans to follow.”

Eisenhower had a lasting impact as president, according to Jennie Chin, executive director of the Kansas Historical Society.

He played a role in the early civil rights movement when he mobilized the National Guard to enforce the Brown v. Board ruling that outlawed school segregation.

“He is the one, he is the president to call out the troops to say we will integrate, we will follow the law," Chinn said. "That was a very, very gutsy move at the time.”

Eisenhower oversaw the European theater in World War II. Later as president, he spearheaded the creation of NASA and the interstate highway system.

 

Stephen Koranda is KPR's Statehouse reporter.