Eisenhower’s Birthday Commemoration Photo Gallery
Welcome friends to our photo gallery of previous Eisenhower’s Birthday Commemorations!
We are blessed to honor Dwight D. Eisenhower annually on or near his birthday.
Each year, we will post the pictures, and some information, from that event on this page.
Please note: There was no birthday celebration in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic
- If you are shown in a photo and are delighted, then please share with your family and friends.
- Or, if you would like your photo removed, please Contact Us so we can replace that photo.
We hope to see you again at our next birthday commemoration!
2026 Eisenhower Society Birthday Commemoration
It was a sunny but breezy day on October 17th when Eisenhower Society trustees and friends gathered at the “Eisenhower at Gettysburg” statue to commemorate Eisenhower’s 136th birthday. The Allied Veterans Honor Guard presented the colors followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Trustee Ryan Woodward gave a reading from President Eisenhower’s first inaugural address. Vice President Col. Tom Vossler, ret. presented the Dwight D. Eisenhower Society ROTC Leadership Award to cadet Graham Ladley’27 for his outstanding work. We appreciate that Honorary Trustee Stephen R. Gibble has endowed this ROTC award for years to come. Then Chairman Walt Jones announced the four awardees of the Eisenhower Memorial Scholarships. They are Gettysburg College students Sera Scherz ’27, Anna Kalinowski ’28, Griffin Wilson ’29 and Tyler Shankweiler ’30. Unfortunately, Sera Scherz was unable to attend. Trustee Dr. Daun van Ee shared an excerpt from Eisenhower’s letter to Richard Simon, April 4, 1956, about deterrence and the usefulness of armaments. The wreath was placed by Walt Jones and luncheon speaker John Heiser. To end the program the Allied Veterans played Taps and retired the colors.
Afterward over 60 people gathered at the Dobbin House for a delicious meal followed by a program entitled, Eisenhower and the Men of D-Day. It was presented by retired park ranger and historian John Heiser. He has interviewed many World War II veterans about their D-Day experience, and he incorporated some of their recollections into his program. Heiser displayed the items carried by American soldiers landing on the beaches of Normandy. After the program guests had a chance to look at the accoutrements and ask questions.
We appreciate the sponsorship support by Lt. Gen. Christopher Burne, Ken and Sally Weiler, Col. Mary Lowe Mayhugh, Dr. Daun van Ee, Trevor Hassett and Stephen R. Gibble. Thank you, volunteer Dru Neil of Neil Strategy, for taking photographs. A delightful day was had by all. Won’t you join us next year?
Also thank you, Dru Neil of Neil Strategy, who is an Eisenhower Society member and our volunteer photographer!
Calendar Quick Links
Our Phone Number:
717-398-2349
Executive Director:
Carol Hegeman
Our Email Address:
info@dwightdeisenhowersociety.org
Our Mailing Address:
Dwight D. Eisenhower Society
P.O. Box 4772
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Our Office Location:
789 Baltimore Street, Suite 100
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325

The Eisenhower at Gettysburg statue with wreath.
2026 Eisenhower Society Birthday Commemoration Photos
Three of our four scholarship awardees pose with Walt. Not pictured is Sera Scherz who was unable to attend.
Trustee Dr. Daun van Ee read a letter Eisenhower wrote to Richard Simon in 1956 that concerned deterrence and the usefulness of armaments.
Bill, Bob and Tom, some of the Society’s trustees who are retired military, posed with Graham Ladley.
Jackie White, Dobbin House owner, spoke about the Dobbin House 250th anniversary and the new park, Dobbin House Square, that was just dedicated.
John Heiser displayed the equipment that filled the pack and the weaponry carried by soldiers landing on D-Day.
2025 Eisenhower Society Birthday Commemoration Photos
Vice President Ruthmary McIlhenny gave her report to the board, focusing especially on the successful theatrical performance, “Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground.”
Chairman Walt Jones presented Jim Roach with a certificate noting 24 years of service as an Eisenhower Society Trustee. For 10 years, Jim served on the Executive Committee as Secretary. then he volunteered as the Society photographer until this past summer.
Executive Director Carol Hegeman gave her report to the Board of Trustees. She shared some recent donations that were received and grants she had applied for.
Walt Jones presented newly elected trustee, Erica Duffy, with her Eisenhowr Society lapel pin and certificate. Both Mike Daley and Linda Larson were also elected as trustees, but neither was available to attend the October 11th festivities.
After being recognized for his 24 years of service to the Eisenhower Society, the board voted to make Jim Roach an Honorary Trustee.
At the conclusion of the board meeting, trustees traveled to Gettysburg College to commemorate Eisenhower’s birthday and present scholarships and awards. The Allied Veterans Honor Guard presented the colors to begin the program as visitors and scouts looked on.
Trustee Jody Wilson presented a reading from Eisenhower’s First Inaugural Address, the “Heart of America.” Master of ceremonies and program chair Paul Shevchuk looked on.
Trustee Col. Tom Vossler read the many accomplishments of Cadet Ethan Palmer, examplifying why he was chosen to receive the Dwight D. Eisenhower Society ROTC Leadership Award.
Trustee Dr. Daun van Ee shared an excerpt from Eisenhower’s telegram of September 27, 1957, to Senator Richard Russell regarding the use of military force in Little Rock, Arkansas.
After the program concluded Rifat and Lewis posed by the Eisenhower statue with Walt Jones. Two other students were also recipients of the scholarship. Both Amanda Mic and Oumye Toure were unable to attend the presentation.
Cadet Ethan Palmer, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Society ROTC Leadership Awardee, posed next to the Eisenhower statue as award presenter, Trustee Col. Tom Vossler, looked on. At the conclusion of the program, everyone adjourned to the Dobbin House Tavern for a luncheon and guest speaker.
Guest speaker, Dr. Brian Black, professor at Penn State/Altoona presented the program ” Ike’s Road Trip” which is the story of the 1919 Transcontinental Motor Convoy. Eisenhower participated as an observer for the Army.
Professor Black discussed the 80 Army vehicles that made the 62 day journey from Washington DC to San Francisco.
2024 Eisenhower Society Birthday Commemoration Photos
Walt welcomed new trustees Steve Wiseman, Jody Wilson, Christopher Kull and Lt. Gen. Christopher Burne.
Program Chairman Paul Shevchuk welcomed all to the Society’s annual commemoration of Dwight D. Eisenhower’s birth.
Daun shared an excerpt from Eisenhower’s letter to Henry Luce, November 19, 1956, about nuclear war.
Walt announced scholarship awardees: Hudson Podielsky ’28, Pranu Bhandari ’27, Cittlali Martinez-Gonzalez ’25, and Violet Rana ’26.
2023 Eisenhower Society Birthday Commemoration Photos
Executive Director Carol Hegeman Presents Honorary Trustee Stephen Gibble with a miniature of the “Eisenhower At Gettysburg” statue for his very generous donation to the Society.
The Society welcomes new trustees Ellis Grossnickle, Tom Vossler, Harry Winsheimer, Judy Morley and Bill Webb. New trustees Paul Coussan and Caleb McClure were unable to attend.
Priscilla presents the Brigadier General Samuel K. Lessey, Jr. ROTC Award to Gettysburg College senior Jack Comegno.
Walt announces that Gettysburg College students Andrew Thibandeau and Adhara Ayndrila are Eisenhower Memorial Scholarship awardees. Students Abigail Dryden and Danae Madama could not attend.
Susan graciously signs books for Judy while Trustees Larry Redding, Ken Weiler and Steve wait their turn.
Carol presents Susan with a bas relief plaque of General Eisenhower sculpted and donated by Gary Casteel.
2022 Eisenhower Society Birthday Commemoration Photos
At the Eisenhower Society Annual Meeting Vice Chairman Dr. Walton Jones welcomes new trustee Kevin MacMillan.
Executive Director Carol Hegeman presents Eisenhower National Historic Site Manager Jana Friesen McCabe with a check for $537 in funds donated at the Eisenhower Society booth at World War II Weekend. Funds will be dedicated to next year’s World War II event.
Trustee Priscilla Roberts presented the J. MIlnor Roberts ROTC Award for Distinguished Service to Kendall Nehlig.
Trustee Dr. Daun van Ee read an excerpt from Eisenhower’s 1946 commencement address at Gettysburg College.
Priscilla Roberts presented a check to Dean Robin Wagner to establish an internship at Gettysburg College.
After lunch, Dr. Michael Birkner presented a Powerpoint program, “Eisenhower’s Recreation and Relationships.”
2021 Eisenhower Society Birthday Commemoration Photos
The Society’s annual meeting was held October 16 with members seated socially distanced around the Dobbin House ballroom.
Vice Chairman Walt Jones presents a certificate of thanks to departing Trustee Dr. Ben Garrett for his 6 years of service to the Eisenhower Society.
John Burt personally shakes the hand of departing Trustee, Lt. Gen. Harry E. Soyster for serving on the board for eight years.
President John Burt poses with new Trustees, Major General Andrew Davis, Mike Hanson and Kyle Woodward.
President John Burt presents scholarships to two of the four scholarship awardees, Robert and Anastasia.
The Allied Veterans Council of Adams County color guard posted and retired the colors for our program.
The Eisenhower Society celebrated both General Lessey’s 98th Birthday and General Eisenhower’s 131st Birthday.
Brigadier General Samuel K. Lessey, Jr. smiles as he is ready to enjoy a slice of his birthday cake.
Guest speaker Major General Andrew Davis, USMC (Ret.) explains the work of the World War II Foundation.
2019 Eisenhower Society Birthday Commemoration Photos
President Jacqueline White Presents the Eisenhower Society Robert M. Hoffman Family Memorial Trust Scholarships
The American Legion Post 202 Color Guard and Bugler John Murphy Led the Attendees to the Eisenhower Statue
Walt Jones, Jackie White, Kenneth McCracken, Priscilla Roberts, Matthew Semon, Society Chairman General Lessey and Grace McNamara Pose with Ike
2018 Eisenhower Society Birthday Commemoration Photos
President Jackie White presents certificates of appreciation to retiring board members Kib Roulette and John Donovan.