Join us in celebration of Gen. Dwight D. “Ike” Eisenhower’s birthday at the Memorial’s annual fall fundraiser. This event features a catered luncheon, a fabulous silent auction, and a very special tribute performance. Audience members will be entertained with the enduring tale of Harry Truman and beloved bride, Bess.

“Presidents and Their First Ladies, dramatically speaking” is the creation of the veteran acting and writing duo, William and Sue Wills. Together, they will narrate the touching love story of the Truman’s through humor, rocky times, human frailties, and enduring affection. Through Mr. and Mrs. Wills fantastic program, they hope to share the personal side of our famous first couples, transforming them into more than just another page in the history books.

1.  Born on May 8, 1884 in Lamar, Missouri and moved to Independence, Missouri only six years later.

2.  Poor eyesight kept Harry from joining sports teams, but allowed him to cultivate his true passions;

3.  He read every book in the Independence Public Library and was a talented pianist.

4. Despite being an excellent student, Truman’s parents could not afford a proper college education and his eye impediments kept him from attending West Point, his dream college.

5. Truman worked a multitude of jobs once graduating from high school in 1901, including farming, oil drilling, and banking.

6.  Harry joined the army in 1917 and served in France during World War I. He left the Army in 1919 as a captain and married Bess soon after.

7. The S. in Harry S. Truman stands for nothing except S. His parents were honoring both his grandfathers, Anderson Shipp Truman and Solomon Young.

8.  Harry ran for county judge in Jackson County, MO in 1924. Launching his political career.

9. In 1934, Harry ran for U.S. Senate and won.

10.   Headed the Truman Commission during World War II investigating fraud in defense contracts, saving the government millions of dollars.

11.   Handpicked by President Roosevelt to be his running mate during the 1944 election.

12.   Less than three months after the election, Harry S. Truman was sworn in as the 33^rd President of the United States of America.

13.   Biggest decision as President was to drop the atomic bomb on Japan, thus ending the 2^nd World War and changing American foreign policy.

14.   Truman also faced tough decisions regarding the beginning of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the Central Intelligence Agency, and National Security Council.

15.   Expanded the GI Bill, created numerous proposals regarding health care and issued four civil rights executive orders during his time in office.

16.   Today, Truman is thought to be one of the best Presidents in U.S. history, ranking 5^th behind Lincoln, FDR, Washington, and Theodore Roosevelt.

17.   President Truman passed away on December 26, 1972 in Kansas City, MO at the age of 88.

Famous Quotes:

“I have found the best way to give advice to your children is to find out what they want and then advise them to do it.”

“It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”

“I never did give anybody hell. I just told the truth and they thought it was hell.”

 1. First Lady of President Harry Truman, Wife.

 2.  Birth name, Elizabeth “Bess” Virginia Wallace. Born on February 13, 1885 in Independence, Missouri.

 3.  Married Harry S. Truman on June 28, 1919.

 4. Together they had one child named “Mary” Margaret Truman (1924-2008)     

 5.  Bess supported numerous charities including the Red Cross, Muscular Dystrophy and Cerebral Palsy, and Girl Scouts.

 6.  Bess and Harry met while attending Sunday school in Missouri; she was only 5 years old.

 7.  Bess was described as an intelligent, religious woman, more comfortable at home, and introverted. Preferred to quietly support her husband, even during his time in the White House.

 8.  Truman became President when Franklin D. Roosevelt passed away in April, 1945, thus thrusting the both of them into extremely public political life.

 9.   The post war American public admired her for the homely lifestyle within the White House.
10. Bess is the longest living first lady thus far, passing away at 97 years old. She died October 18, 1982 in her place of birth.

Famous Quote:

“We are not any of us happy to be where we are but there’s nothing to be done about it except to do our best – and forget about the sacrifices and many unpleasant things that pop up.”

“I am not the one who is elected. I have nothing to say to the public.”

I hope you all will join us for this splendid fall event!

Take Care,

Elizabeth