President Eisenhower spent his childhood in Abilene, Kansas, which is located in my district.  Upon graduation from Abilene High School in 1909, he enrolled at West Point.  Eisenhower soon became an esteemed figure and one of the most beloved military leaders in American history.  After leading the U.S. and its allies to victory in World War II, he rose to the eminent rank of five-star general and went on to become the first commander of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s military forces in Europe.  In 1953, Eisenhower became the 34th President of the United States.

            Initial site approval must be granted by Congress in order for monument design plans to proceed.  The Eisenhower Commission was responsible for initially selecting the four-acre location near the Department of Education that has now been designated for the memorial.  I was joined by the entire Kansas delegation in supporting H.J. Res. 78, the House companion bill to S.J. Res. 28.  I recognize that the designation of the memorial site is an instrumental first step in making this tribute a reality.