May 7th, 1945, in the small town of reims, france the supreme allied commander, signed nazi germanys surrender and sent a cable to london stating that the mission of the allied forces was fulfilled, the sending the National Pandemic of tyranny and genocide. The surrender took affect, and for the First Time Since 1941, it was bathed in light. Most military historians agree it was eisenhowers unique skill and persuasion enabled the allied effort not to be successful. Is Winston Churchill said, there is only one thing worse than fighting with allies, that is fighting without, simply put, ike led the effort to pursue western democracy and freedom and later as president in 1953 america experienced eight years of peace and prosperity. On the 70 fifth anniversary of the victory of europe, what we call victory in europe day, the Eisenhower Memorial Commission was sent to dedicate the long awaited president ial memorial to Dwight David Eisenhower in the nations capital. Just two blocks away. Eisenhower ones said plans may end up, planning is everything. How right he was. The Commission Set aside plans for the dedication, and is planning a ceremony in the fall. There is precedent for this delay as america is putting together to fight to defeat the covid19 virus the Eisenhower Administration was working with public and private sector until the vaccine was developed by doctor jonas salk and disseminated throughout the country. Shortly after a more effective vaccine was developed by doctor albert sabin, today polio is virtually eradicated to face the same challenge. The eisenhower memorial pays tribute to ikes leadership, the supreme allied commander and 30 fourth president of the United States located on the national mall, honoring an extraordinary man but would be a symbol for all generations, the promise of america and what our values make possible all over the world. I can attest to the impact eisenhower had on my life. My dad, was roberts, in the 1952 campaign in the ballot victory over senator taft of ohio. At 16 years old i was a wideeyed sergeant of arms during the chicago event, and later attended ikes inaugural ceremonies in washington. I met him both times. When ike came into the room even if you had your back to him you knew he was there, he had a ruddy complexion, had a great and wonderful smile. We still like ike. Full circle for the Eisenhower Memorial Commission, and i know there will be dancing in the streets again, we will be able to live our lives freely just as ike in the greatest generation fought to secure. We will dedicate the memorial to kansass favorite son and one of our greatest president s. After all, ike never gave up and neither will we, i yield the floor. March 20 eighth 2020. The day oklahomans in the nation lost a patriot and a friend to many. I stand here at this desk that i have used for the past five years but before it was my desk it was the desk of doctor tom coburn. A few days after we gambled out in march, doctor coburn took his first breath in heaven