D-Day Commemoration Events

Abilene, Kan. - The Eisenhower Library is hosting a screening and panel discussion of the new Kansas City PBS documentary titled “Winning the War” on Friday, June 6 at 2 p.m. The program will be in the Visitors Center Auditorium and will include Mary Jean Eisenhower, Producer Emily Woodring (PBS), Eisenhower Library Director Todd Arrington and Truman Library Supervisory Archivist Sam Rushay.

"Winning the War: Harry, Ike & the Fight for Democracy" examines the enduring legacy of World War II through the lens of Harry S. Truman of Independence, Missouri, and Dwight D. Eisenhower of Abilene, Kansas, whose leadership played decisive roles in ending the war. The film includes interviews with experts and veterans, as well as Eisenhower’s granddaughter and Truman’s grandson.

The D-Day commemoration events continue with the Symphony at Sunset Annual D-Day Commemoration Concert on Saturday, June 7. Symphony at Sunset features an outdoor concert showcasing patriotic and popular music from the World War II era, performed by the Salina Symphony and the Fort Riley 1st Infantry Division Band. The schedule begins at 4:00 p.m. with various activities and food vendors, followed by The Blades concert at 5:30 p.m. The event also includes the Custodians of Omaha Beach Flag Ceremony at 6:15 p.m. and the Ft. Riley Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard demonstrations at 6:30 and 8 p.m. The 1st Infantry Division Band will take the stage at 7:00 p.m. and the evening will conclude with a performance by the Salina Symphony featuring guest artist Samantha Rose Williams at 8:30 p.m. 

For your comfort, please bring a lawn chair, sunscreen, and bug spray as needed. Note that the rain date for this event is Sunday, June 8. Symphony at Sunset is made possible by our generous sponsors, including the Community Foundation of Dickinson County, Marshall Motors, Friends of the Eisenhower Foundation, and Kansas Gas Service. 

Details for all events can be found on the EisenhowerLibrary.gov website.