S8 Ep03 My Grandfather's Heartbeat, Memories with Mary Jean Eisenhower

Your History Your Story

Dwight David Eisenhower was born in Denison, Texas on October 14, 1890, the third of seven sons of David and Ida Eisenhower. Not long after Dwight’s birth, the family moved to Abilene, Kansas where he grew up. Dwight later attended West Point Military Academy, graduating in 1915 and soon after met Mamie Doud, who would become the love of his life. The two would be married for over fifty years.

Eisenhower rose to fame during World War II as the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces in Europe, leading the successful D-Day invasion that played a significant role in the defeat of Nazi Germany.

In 1952, he was elected the 34th President of the United States.

Eisenhower's presidency focused on improving the nation’s infrastructure and was also marked by efforts to contain the spread of communism during the Cold War while maintaining peace and stability on the international stage. One of his initiatives, was the creation of the People to People International program, which he established in 1956 to improve understanding and friendship between citizens of different countries through educational, cultural and humanitarian activities.

In this episode of Your History Your Story, we will be speaking with Mary Jean Eisenhower, youngest grandchild of Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower. Mary Jean will share her memories of playing as a child in the White House, spending personal moments with her grandparents and meeting World leaders such as French President, Charles de Gaulle and Premier of the Soviet Union, Nikita Khrushchev.

Mary Jean will also tell how an encounter with Khrushchev’s son, Sergei in the 1990’s moved her to change careers in order to develop and expand People to People International, the program established by her grandfather.

Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man

Photo(s): Courtesy of Mary Jean Eisenhower

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