Meet the Truman's: Eisenhower's 125th Birthday Event

Will and Sue Wills, performance duo depicting Mr. and Mrs. Truman.

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.

This special event will be held at the National D-Day Memorial, October 11, 1 PM - 4 PM. Tickets are on sale now; $35 per person or $60 per couple for performance and lunch. Performance only tickets are $15 per person.

33rd President of the United States, Harry S. Truman

Truman Fun Facts

Harry S. Truman

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;

reading and music.

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.

Truman family spending quality time together.

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.”

Bess Truman

Elizabeth Truman

 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.”

Truman family sharing a few laughs.

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

Take Care,

Elizabeth

Meet the hilarious duo, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, at the National D-Day Memorial

Studio photograph of Bud Abbott (Left) and Lou Costello (Right)

October has arrived and you know what that means?! Of course it means changing leaves, crisp cool air, pumpkins, and apple cider. But most importantly, it means the D-Day Memorial is hosting our annual birthday celebration event on October 12, 2014!

This year, the Memorial invites visitors to celebrate the 124^th birthday of General Dwight Eisenhower with a few special guests, the outrageously funny duo, Abbott and Costello! Enjoy watching the critically acclaimed comedians perform their most popular vaudeville and burlesque skits, like “Who’s On First?” And get a firsthand look into their personal lives and the entertainment industry of the 1940s. Bill Riley and Joe Ziegler are the hilarious men responsible for bringing Bud Abbott and Lou Costello to life in front of your very eyes. Both men have been performing together since 1994 and through vintage dress, authentic recreation, and vocal styling, they have mastered the art and genius of Mr. Abbott and Mr. Costello. As an added bonus, the comedic pair are bringing along their trusty Ace Press Agent, Scoop Fields, performed by Jason Crutchley.

Comedic duo acting out "Who's On First?" Skit

Guests of the event will enjoy bellies full of laughter and delicious food if they choose to join us for lunch and the performance. Or, if you prefer to skip lunch, guests can just enjoy the show! For two years in a row, the Memorial has sold out of this event! As a result, advanced tickets are required since seating is limited. So make sure to pick up yours today! Lunch is served at 1:30pm followed by the performance at 2:30pm.

Tickets for both the lunch and performance are $35.00 per person or $60.00 per couple. Tickets for the performance only are $15.00 per person. Call 540-586-3329 to purchase tickets or visit the Bedford Area Welcome Center. Click here to learn more about this event.

To get guests eager for the upcoming event, here are a few fun facts about the most popular comedic duo during World War II.

• Costello held a series of jobs, including a stint as a boxer, before heading to Hollywood in the late 1920s to pursue a career in acting, only to find out he was not particularly successful as a dramatic actor. He ultimately decided to move back home to New Jersey, but did not have the funds to make it all the way. So he worked his way up in Missouri burlesque clubs.

•   While working in Missouri in 1930, Cristillo changed his stage name to “Costello,” after actress Helene Costello.

•   At the age of 15, Abbott was drugged and shanghaied onto a ship bound for Norway.  He was eventually able to work his way back to the US. 

• Costello pitched the idea of pairing with Bud Abbott in 1936, and together they made one of their first radio appearances on The Kate Smith Show in 1938.

Buck Privates poster (1941)

•   Of the duo Abbott was the “straight man,” meaning he was the unfunny part of the duo that set up the comedic to deliver the punch line. 

• From 1940 to 1956, the duo made 36 films.  Among their most popular films were Buck Privates, Who Done It?, Buck Privates Come Home, Abbot and Costello Meet Frankenstein, and Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man.

Call us today to purchase tickets and show your support for the National D-Day Memorial. Celebrating General Eisenhower’s birthday is always a special event for the Memorial and we would love to share that experience with you all!

(Left to Right) Costello and Abbott on set (1940).

Hope to see you all there!

Elizabeth

The Memorial is thankful for the support of event sponsors English Meadows (Elks Home Campus), Everafter Flowers, Cakes, and Gifts, The Glebe, and Town Kitchen & Provisions.