CLEARFIELD – Dr. Fred Ralston shared his love and knowledge of history with an attentive audience at this week’s Books-Sandwiched-In program at the Joseph & Elizabeth Shaw Public Library.
The book Ralston chose to review was Three Days in January: Dwight Eisenhower’s Final Mission by Bret Baier and co-authored by Catherine Whitney.
Released in January, the book targets the peaceful transition from Eisenhower’s presidency to John Kennedy’s. Ralston noted that Baier, political news anchor for Fox News, started researching the book in 2013.
The first part of the book deals with Eisenhower’s early life. Born in Texas in 1890, he grew up in Abilene, Kan. As a young man, he accepted an appointment to West Point because of the opportunity for a free education.
Eisenhower proved to be a valuable Army staff member, serving under such generals as Douglas MacArthur and George C. Marshall.
Following Pearl Harbor, he began planning battles and campaigns, ultimately becoming the supreme commander of the troops invading France on D Day.
Returning home after the war, Eisenhower became president of Columbia University. But in 1952, he once again answered his country’s call when he was elected president.
“I Like Ike” was his campaign slogan, and he won a sweeping victory. He would serve as president for two terms.
Ralston commented that Eisenhower has been described as the “hidden hand” president. He would often work behind the scenes to resolve issues or make change.
It was the beginning of the Cold War, and during the eight years of his presidency, Eisenhower managed to keep the United States out of war.
Following the election of John F. Kennedy, Eisenhower considered his “final mission” to be the smooth transfer of power. He felt it was paramount for Kennedy to be as prepared as possible when he assumed office.
Eisenhower met with Kennedy twice before the inauguration. Committed to a secure United States and what was good for the American people, his goal was to provide Kennedy with as much information as possible on the threats of the day. Their final meeting was two days before the inauguration.
Eisenhower’s farewell address is considered one of the most important speeches about America’s role in the world.
Ralston shared copies of this speech with the audience, noting that it addressed four major themes: working with Congress, getting the American people to understand that it is a hostile world, the nuclear arms race and the military-industrial complex. Eisenhower’s words remain true today.
In closing, Ralston observed that one of the hallmarks of our country is the peaceful passing of power.
As a special event, he provided three copies of the book as door prizes. The library also has a copy of Three Days in January in its collection.
During his presentation, Ralston shared with the audience a framed picture of Eisenhower with a letter from the White House addressed to a young “Freddy Ralston.” In addition, he displayed a collection of campaign pins.
The final Books-Sandwiched-In program will be on April 12 at 12 p.m. when Pam Babick will present Hope for Animals and Their World by Jane Goodall. Reservations can be made by calling the library at 814-765-3271 prior to 5 p.m. on the Monday before the program.
