Welcome to World War Two chronicles a weekly tribute to Americas fighting men and women
in commemoration of the Second World War. These programs are narrated by Ed Hrlihy
and are based on the news broadcasts of the war period from the recorded sound
collection of the National Archives in Washington, d C. He freed millions,
and they gave thanks to the General of the Army Dwight Eisenhower. First in
London, where tens of thousands watched as Ike is given the freedom of the
city at that time, an honor granted only to five Americans. Whether or
not you know it, I am now a londonman myself. I've got just
as much right to be down in that crowd yelling as you have. The
great difference that I see in the city and when I came three years ago
is right here. We can now have crowds, There can be happy gatherings.
You don't have to listen for a motor in the sky and wonder whether
it's a pilot in the blankety blank thing or not. The Allied Army's Supreme
Commander moved on to France, where he was decorated with the Medal of Liberation
by General Charles de gaul and finally back to Washington, whereover a million people
forgot the heat and humidity to welcome the chief. Welcoming him to Washington is
Mamie, the wife who waited so patiently for her conquering hero. It's a
great day for the Eisenhower's of Abilene, Kansas, and the nation's capital puts
on the biggest demonstration in its history. As a million cheering home folks lie
in the historic parade route, the district commissioners present Ike with the keys to
the city, while a procession pauses briefly on the way to the Capitol and
then moves on down Pennsylvania Avenue past the wildly cheering throngs. Members of Congress
and other dignitaries packing the House Chamber heard this in our minds and hearts.
There is no slightest doubt that our people's spirit of determination, which has buoyed
us up and driven us forward in Europe, will continue to fire this nation
through the ordeals of battle yet to come. Though we dream of return to
our loved ones, we are ready, as we have always been, to
do our duty to our country, no matter what it may be. All
of this however, was only a prelude to New York City, where four
million people Grantedike the greatest welcome our hero had ever seen. I'm in Hurley,
Join me next time for World War Two Chronicles. World War Two Chronicles
was produced by the American Veterans Center and Radio America in cooperation with the National
Archives. To listen to more episodes, subscribe on iTunes, or visit American
Veterans Center dot org. We need your help to keep the legacy of our
World War Two generation alive. Visit American Veterans Center dot org to make a
donation to support World War Two Chronicles and the ongoing work of the American Veterans Center.