Dwight D. Eisenhower quotes, verified

“You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hope and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you.”

Order of the Day to the Allied Expeditionary Force (D-Day), 6 June 1944

From the printed Order of the Day General Eisenhower issued to the soldiers, sailors and airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force for the Normandy landings of June 1944.

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“If all that Americans want is security, they can go to prison. They'll have enough to eat, a bed and a roof over their heads. But if an American wants to preserve his dignity and his equality as a human being, he must not bow his neck to any dictatorial government.”

Reported Written down by someone else, not the speaker

Reported; speech to luncheon clubs, Galveston, Texas, as reported in the New York Times, 9 December 1949, 'Eisenhower Links Security to Prison'

From a speech to luncheon clubs in Galveston, Texas, on 8 December 1949, as reported in the New York Times.

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“A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both.”

First Inaugural Address, 20 January 1953

From Eisenhower's first inaugural address, delivered at the east front of the Capitol in Washington on 20 January 1953.

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“On that day let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom.”

Proclamation 3071, Veterans Day, 1954

From the proclamation Eisenhower signed in Washington on 8 October 1954 calling for the first national observance of Veterans Day on 11 November.

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“Without God, there could be no American form of Government, nor an American way of life. Recognition of the Supreme Being is the first, the most basic, expression of Americanism.”

Remarks Recorded for the "Back-to-God" Program of the American Legion, 20 February 1955

From remarks Eisenhower recorded for the American Legion's Back-to-God program, broadcast on radio and television on the evening of 20 February 1955.

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“We know that she is ready to do her part to make this Union a stronger Nation—a stronger people than it was before because of her presence as a full sister to the other forty-nine States.”

Remarks Upon Signing the Proclamation Admitting Hawaii to the Union and the Executive Order Changing the Flag of the United States, Cabinet Room, the White House, 21 August 1959

Spoken in the Cabinet Room of the White House at 4 p.m. on 21 August 1959, moments after Eisenhower signed Proclamation 3309 making Hawaii the 50th state.

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“We cannot mortgage the material assets of our grandchildren without risking the loss also of their political and spiritual heritage. We want democracy to survive for all generations to come.”

Farewell Radio and Television Address to the American People, 17 January 1961

From Eisenhower's farewell address, broadcast on 17 January 1961, three days before he handed the presidency to John F. Kennedy.

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