Three Days in January
In January 1961, two men prepared for the most significant change of power in a generation. In the course of three days Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy would both make speeches that resonate to this day. Three Days in January captures the dramatic tick-tock of that critical week and reveals what it means for us now as we approach a high stakes change of power in January 2017.
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Young Readers’ Edition
In the young readers’ edition of his New York Times bestselling book, Fox News Channel anchor Bret Baier tells the story of President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s final mission: passing the torch to his young successor, John F. Kennedy, and preparing both the country and the new president for the challenges ahead.
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Peek Inside The Book
Ike’s Speech – January 17, 1961
Seated at the “Roosevelt desk” in the Oval Office, looking into the television camera, Eisenhower delivered his final address to the nation. It would become acknowledged as one of the most important ever delivered about America’s role in the world. Today we are once again able to appreciate its relevance. Photo by Bill Allen/Associated Press.
Kennedy Arrives at the White House
On December 6, 1960, John F. Kennedy, the new president-elect, arrived at the White House for his first meeting with President Eisenhower. Kennedy came alone, without an entourage, and Ike greeted him at the North Portico before they began the serious work of the transition. National Park Service photo/ courtesy of the Eisenhower Library.
On the Eve of D-Day
As commander, Ike had a personal relationship with his troops. Here he is chatting informally with paratroopers from the 101st Airborne Division on June 5, moments before they took off for the Normandy coast. U.S. Army photo/courtesy of the Eisenhower Library.
Inauguration January 20, 1953
Ike took his oath of office on two Bibles—one, a gift from his mother when he graduated from West Point; and the other, the Bible George Washington used to take his oath as the first president. National Park Service Photo/courtesy of the Eisenhower Library.
The Kansas Homestead
Ike’s childhood home, which is currently the site of the Eisenhower Library and Museum, was a place of abundant love and daily lessons about responsibility and hard work. (L-R) Milton, David (father), Ike, Ida (mother) and Earl. Courtesy of the Eisenhower Library.
On the Campaign Trail 1956
“Peace, Prosperity, Progress”—the Eisenhower-Nixon campaign theme in 1956—is one that certainly resonates today. National Park Service Photo/ courtesy of the Eisenhower Library.
Ike as America knew him
This view of Ike as commander of the allied forces during World War II, endures as America’s most treasured image of the man who saved the world from Hitler. He was buried in his uniform. Photo courtesy of the Eisenhower Library.
On the Ground in Abilene
Thanks to my talented presidential researcher, Sydney Soderberg, a Kansas resident, I had access to a special view of Ike’s life. Sydney practically lived at the Library during the course of our work together. Photo by Cory Keller
A Final Warning
With underlining for emphasis, the finished text of the speech contained the warning that resonates to this day: “In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex.”
Studying Ike’s Words
Holding in my hands the actual text of Ike’s Farewell Address—in its many versions, with Ike’s editing pencil in evidence—was a stirring experience. Photo by Cory Keller.
At the Eisenhower Library
My co-author Catherine Whitney and I had our work cut out for us at the Eisenhower Library, which houses 26 million pages of manuscripts, 335,000 still photographs, and more than 28,000 volumes of books. Photo by Cory Keller.
A Moment of Reflection in Ike’s Chapel
Standing in the peaceful setting of Ike’s chapel, where the 34th president was laid to rest, I could feel the power of his presence. Ike’s grave is surrounded by engravings of his most significant quotes, including the prayer he wrote for his inauguration, calling on God to help the nation unite in common purpose. Photo by Cory Keller.
