American Valor Quarterly Issue 6 - Spring/Summer 2009 | Page 10

combine together in an efficient fashion to solve the complex
problems presented by modern war. I hope you believe we proved
the doubters wrong. And, moreover, I hold that we proved this
point not only for war – we proved it can always be done by our
two peoples.”
Again, he disclaimed the idea that he deserved the paramount credit
for Allied success in defeating Nazi Germany. He paid tribute to
his colleagues by the thousands: “Had I possessed the military skill
of a Marlborough, the wisdom of a Solomon, the understanding
of Lincoln, I still would have been helpless without the loyalty,
vision and generosity of thousands upon thousands of British and
Americans...The whole was one great team. I know that on this
special occasion three million American men and women serving
in the Allied Expeditionary Force would want me to pay a tribute
of admiration, respect and affection to their British comrades of
this war.”

Pictured above is the location of the planned memorial to Dwight D.
Eisenhower in Washington, DC. The memorial will be located along
He closed with a benediction that was truly visionary: “No petty Independence Avenue directly across from the National Air and Space
differences in the world of trade, traditions or national pride Museum. To learn more about the planned memorial, visit www.eisenhowermemorial.org.
should ever blind us to our identities in priceless values. If we keep

our eyes on this guidepost, then no difficulties along our path of
mutual cooperation can ever be insurmountable. Moreover, when
this truth has permeated to the remotest hamlet and heart of all
peoples, then indeed may we beat our swords into plowshares and
all nations can enjoy the fruitfulness of this earth. My Lord Mayor,
I thank you once again for an honor to me and to the American
forces that will remain one of the proudest in my memories.”

the worst gale in 40 years would have hit the Allied army two
days later.”

At the end of the day, King George VI presented Eisenhower with
the Order of Merit. Ike was the very first American military man
to receive this honor. After the Buckingham Palace ceremony, Ike
was granted an audience with the Queen Mother, Queen Mary,
who startled him by offering him a cigarette. And then she quickly
After this ceremony, Ike was driven to a luncheon at Mansion lighted one herself.
House, the historic residence of London’s Lord Mayor. A great
crowd of 30,000 followed him from the Guildhall. Ike addressed The day had been a triumph. One British account put it this way:
them at Mansion House from a balcony – with Winston Churchill “General Eisenhower yesterday added London to his long scroll
at his side. The balcony was draped with banners and laurel wreaths. of captured cities. Though once again his conquest was complete,
there had been no need this time for storming tactics or cunning
Ike told the people in the crowd that “you have done something manoeuvre; the ready smile, free and friendly manner, yet withal
in cementing the bonds that must always remain between your martial bearing, of the great commander, straightway won the
country and mine and into which scope must be brought Russia, hearts of the thousands of Londoners who acclaimed him.” As
France, China and all the other great countries that have helped he did with millions of Americans in World War II and later as
to whip the Nazis and we hope will quickly whip Japan.” Winston President.
Churchill clapped Ike on the back and said, “Well done, Ike, very
well done.” Then Churchill proposed a toast to “this man – this Americans today would do well to consider this graceful
very great man – General Ike.” Churchill praised Ike as “a great performance by Ike. Especially now, if we seek to retain the
commander, a man who has proved not only his capacity to tradition of America’s leadership around the world, we can look
organize and regulate the movements of armies but to stir men’s to no better expression of our values than the Guildhall Speech
hearts, and who has shown a capacity for making great nations that was delivered so long ago by Dwight D. Eisenhower – the
march together more truly united than they have ever been before.” speech that made him the toast of London on a summer day in
Churchill went so far as to call Ike “a great creative, constructive 1945.
AVQ
and combining genius.”

AMERICAN VALOR QUARTERLY - Spring/Summer 2009 - 11

Dwight D. Eisenhow \