"ETERNAL HOSTILITY AGAINST EVERY FORM OF TYRANNY"

FDR DEDICATES THE JEFFERSON MEMORIAL

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On April 13, 1943, the Jefferson Memorial was dedicated here in the Nation's Capital.  The impressive structure, in honor of the author of the Declaration of Independence and third POTUS, was designed by John Russell Pope*.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who laid the cornerstone in 1939, gave the dedication speech.

The President said...

"The words which we have chosen for the memorial speak Jefferson's noblest and most urgent meaning and we are proud indeed to understand and share it:

'I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form tyranny over the mind of man.'" 

*John Russell Pope (1874-1937) was born in New York & graduated from Columbia University in 1894.  JRP attended the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris in 1896 & was the 1st to receive the Rome Prize. 

JRP designed the National Archives Building, the National Gallery & the Triumphal Arch Theodore Roosevelt Memorial in 1936. 

 

 

The Jefferson Memorial

Washington, D.C.

Photo by John White (2007)

 

IN MEMORY OF MR. JEFFERSON

JEFFERSON MEMORIAL DEDICATED 

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On April 13, 1943, the Jefferson Memorial* was dedicated here in the Nation's Capital. The impressive memorial, dedicated on the anniversary of Thomas Jefferson's birth, was designed by architect John Russell Pope*.

The memorial is modeled after the Parthenon and the 19 foot tall, 5 ton statue of Mr. Jefferson inside was sculpted by Rudolph Evans**.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt laid the memorial's cornerstone on November 15, 1939 and gave the dedication speech.  FDR concluded with the words:

"The words which we have chosen for this memorial speak Jefferson's noblest and most urgent meaning and we are proud indeed to understand and share it: 'I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man'".

*John Russell Pope (1874-1937) was born in New York City & studied at Columbia University.  JRP designed the National Archives Building, Jefferson Memorial & West Building of the National Gallery of Art, all located in Washington, D.C.

**Rudolph Evans (1878-1960) was born in Washington, D.C. & grew up in Front Royal, VA.  RE studied in France & in 1918 became a member of the National Academy of Design.  His work includes the statue of Robert E. Lee in the Virginia State Capitol.

SOURCES

"Jefferson Memorial," Washington, D.C. National Park Service.  www.nps.gov/

"Thomas Jefferson, a Brief Biography", Thomas Jefferson Monitcello, Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Inc., www.monticello.org/

Thomas Jefferson Statue

Jefferson Memorial

Washington, D.C. (2013)

Photo by Ingfbruno

www.wikimedia.org.

Jefferson Memorial

Photo by John White (2007)

I HAVE SWORN ETERNAL HOSTILITY AGAINST EVERY FORM OF TYRANNY

JEFFERSON MEMORIAL DEDICATED 

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) 75 years ago, April 13, 1943, in tribute to Thomas Jefferson*, the Third President of the United States, the Jefferson Memorial was dedicated here in the Nation's Capital.

The impressive memorial, dedicated on the anniversary of Mr. Jefferson's birth, was designed by architect John Russell Pope** who also designed the National Archives Building.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who laid the memorial's cornerstone in 1939, gave the dedication speech.  FDR concluded with the words:

"The words which we have chosen for this memorial speak Jefferson's noblest and most urgent meaning and we are proud indeed to understand and share it: 

'I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man'".

*Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) was born in Shadwell, Virginia.  TJ was a man of many great accomplishments but he chose to be remembered for only three.  These are carved in his tombstone:  Author of the Declaration of American Independence & of the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, & Father of the University of Virginia.

**John Russell Pope (1874-1937) was born in New York City & studied at Columbia University.  JRP designed the National Archives Building, Jefferson Memorial & West Building of the National Gallery of Art, all located in Washington, D.C.

SOURCE

"Thomas Jefferson, a Brief Biography", Thomas Jefferson Monitcello, Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Inc., www.monticello.org/

Jefferson Memorial

Photo by John White (2007)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MR. JEFFERSON

THOMAS JEFFERSON BORN 272 YEARS AGO 

Shadwell, Virginia (JFK+50) The author of the Declaration of Independence and third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, was born 272 years ago today, April 13, 1743.

Mr.Jefferson, who was born in Shadwell, Virginia to Peter and Jane Randolph Jefferson, graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1762.  He became a law clerk for George Wythe and won election to the Virginia House of Burgesses in 1769.

As a Virginia delegate to the Second Continental Congress, Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and after the revolution served as a state legislator and governor.  He was minister to France (1785-1789), the 1st Secretary of State, Vice-President and President of the United States (1801-1809).

President Jefferson was the first president of the Democratic-Republican Party.

Notable events during his two terms as president include the war with the Barbary pirates of North Africa, the purchase of Louisiana in 1803 from France, the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the Embargo Act of 1807.

President John F. Kennedy paid tribute to Thomas Jefferson's intellect at a dinner in honor of Nobel Prize recipients at the White House.  JFK said...

"I think this is the most extraordinary collection of talent, of human knowledge, that has ever been gathered together at the White House, with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone."

Thomas Jefferson died at his beloved home, Monticello, near Charlottesville, Virginia, on the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1826. 

Mr. Jefferson wanted to be remembered for only three of his many accomplishments.   He requested that these be engraved on his tombstone...

"Author of the Declaration of American Independence, of the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom and Father of the University of Virginia."

                  

Gravestone of Thomas Jefferson

Monticello, Charlottesville, Virginia

Photo by Christopher Hollis

 for Wdwic Pictures (2001)

JEFFERSON MEMORIAL DEDICATED 

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) Seventy-two years ago today, April 13, 1943, in tribute to Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd President of the United States, the Jefferson Memorial was dedicated here in the Nation's Capital.

The impressive memorial, dedicated on the anniversary of Mr. Jefferson's birth, was designed by architect John Russell Pope who also designed the National Archives Building.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who laid the memorial's cornerstone in 1939, gave the dedication speech.  

FDR concluded with the words:

"The words which we have chosen for this memorial speak Jefferson's noblest and most urgent meaning and we are proud indeed to understand and share it: 

'I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man'".

Jefferson Memorial

Photo by John White (2007)

JEFFERSON MEMORIAL

October 11, 2011


WASHINGTON TRIP:  JEFFERSON MEMORIAL

               The Jefferson Memorial
          Photo by John White (2003)


Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) The Jefferson Memorial stands on the south side of the Tidal Basin.


The memorial to the 3rd United States President was designed by John Russell Pope in the style of the ancient Roman Pantheon.


It was completed in 1943.


Inside the impressive memorial stands a 19 foot bronze statue to the author of American independence & on the wall is the following quotation:


"I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man."   Thomas Jefferson


October 11, 1961


JFK TO APPOINT PANEL TO STUDY MENTAL RETARDATION


Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) President John F. Kennedy announced at his scheduled news conference today in the State Department auditorium that he plans to appoint a panel of physicians & scientists to recommend a program of action in the field of mental retardation.


JFK said: "it is a serious personal matter to 1 out of 12 persons & disables 10 times as many as diabetes."


The President's sister, Rosemary, was born with a mental condition which worsened after she underwent a labotomy at the age of 23.

                     Rosemary Kennedy


October 11, 1962


JFK SIGNS US POSTAL SERVICE BILL


Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) President John F. Kennedy today signed the Postal Service & Federal Employees Salary Act of 1962.


The legislation will increase postage rates as of January 7 of next year & will also reform federal salary systems.


October 11, 1963


JFK ENDORSES REPORT ON STATUS OF WOMEN


Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) President Kennedy today endorsed the Peterson Report issued by the President's Commission on the Status of Women which he established in 1961.


The report says that American women endure a diminished status resulting in a lack of equal opportunity in both salary & personal fulfillment.


JFK said:


"I wonder whether in our society, women have the chance to use their full powers...along lines of excellence."

1950 Homecoming Queen Candidates


October 11, 1963


JFK HONORS ELEANOR ROOSEVELT


Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) President Kennedy honored former 1st Lady Eleanor Roosevelt today on the 79th anniversary of her birth.


JFK took part in a ceremony at which a commemorative United States stamp honoring Mrs. Roosevelt was presented.

October 11, 1968


FIRST MANNED APOLLO MISSION LAUNCHED


Cape Kennedy, Florida (JFK+50) The 1st manned Apollo mission was launched successfully from Cape Kennedy today.


Apollo 7's astronauts are Wally Schirra, Donn Eisele & Walter Cunningham.*


*Apollo 7 will be in orbit for 11 days & will make the 1st televised broadcast while in orbit.

                Apollo 7 Spacecraft
       Frontiers of Flight Museum
           Photo by Georgi Petrov


October 11, 1975


HILLARY RODHAM MARRIES BILL CLINTON


Little Rock, Arkansas (JFK+50) Hillary Rodham was married to William Jefferson Clinton here in Little Rock, Arkansas today.


The couple met while attending Yale University.


The Clintons plan to live here in Little Rock.*


*In 1978, Bill Clinton became the youngest man to hold the position of governor in any state in history & in 1992, at age 46, was elected the youngest President of the United States since JFK.  Hillary Rodham Clinton serves today as Secretary of State in the Obama administration.

    Chelsea, Bill & Hillary Clinton
               January 20, 1997
            White House Photo


October 11, 2002


JIMMY CARTER AWARDED NOBEL PEACE PRIZE


Geneva, Switzerland (JFK+50) Former United States President James Earl (Jimmy) Carter was awarded the Noble Peace Prize today.


The peace prize was presented to Mr. Carter "for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts,  & to advance democracy & human rights."


Jimmy Carter served as President from 1977 to 1981.  During his term of office, he mediated a historic peace agreement between Egypt & Israel.


Mr. Carter is the 3rd US President to win the coveted prize.  The others were Theodore Roosevelt & Woodrow Wilson.

                         James Earl Carter
                       White House Photo


October 11, 1954


SENATOR KENNEDY ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL FOR BACK PROBLEMS


New York City (JFK+50) Senator John F. Kennedy of Massachusetts was admitted today to the Hospital for Special Surgery at Cornell Medical Center.


The medical center is located at 321 E. 42nd Street in Manhattan.


JFK had x-rays taken of his ailing back.


The doctors discussed plans to schedule an operation on the Senator to repair a ruptured disk in his spine.*


*In 1955, JFK 1st visited Dr. Janet Travell at her office in NYC.  She later wrote:


"The thin young Senator on crutches could barely navigate the few steps down from the sidewalk into my office.  Pain in his back made it almost impossible for him to step up or down."

                          JFK on Crutches

JEFFERSON MEMORIAL DEDICATED

April 13, 1943


JEFFERSON MEMORIAL DEDICATED


On the anniversary of the birth of the author of the Declaration of Independence & the nation's 3rd president, the Jefferson Memorial was dedicated today in Washington, D.C.


The impressive memorial was designed by architect John Russell Pope who also designed the National Archives Building.


President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who laid the memorial's cornerstone in 1939, gave the dedication speech today.  


FDR concluded with the words:


"The words which we have chosen for this memorial speak Jefferson's noblest & most urgent meaning & we are proud indeed to understand & share it: 


'I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man'".

                     Jefferson Memorial
             Photo by John White (2007)


April 13, 1953


CIA LAUNCHES "MKULTRA"


Central Intelligence Agency Director, Allen Dulles, launched "MKULTRA" on this date.


The top secret "mind control" program, to be run by the Office of Scientific Intelligence, was not to be made public until 1975.


MKULTRA made use of American & Canadian citizens as test subjects & who were administered a variety of mind control techniques including the use of drugs, sensory deprivation, isolation & verbal & sexual abuse.


Senator Ted Kennedy said in 1977 that more than 30 universities & institutions were involved in testing & experimentation on unwitting citizens "at all social levels, high & low, native Americans & foreign."


In 1973, CIA Director Richard Helms ordered all MKULTRA files destroyed but about 20,000 of them accidentally survived.  


Today all remaining MKULTRA files are declassified.

          Declassified "MKULTRA" file


April 13, 1974


WESTERN UNION LAUNCHES WESTAR I


Western Union, in collaboration with NASA & Hughes Aircraft, launched today the United States' 1st commercial geosynchronous communication satellite, "Westar I".


The Westar I follows Canada's "Anik Alin" which was launched in 1972.


The satellite is to be used by Western Union for its own internal communications such as sending telegrams & mailgrams to WU bureaus.*


*Westar I was followed by 6 more "Westar" communications satellites.  Westar I was retired from service in 1983.

Astronaut Dale Gardner installs a control device on Westar 6


April 13, 1961


ADENAUER & KENNEDY CONCLUDE TALKS


German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer & President John F. Kennedy concluded 2 days of discussions today.


Their meetings ended with a pledge to strengthen military & economic cooperation between West Germany & the United States.

         JFK & Adenauer at JFK's Desk


April 13, 1796


FIRST ELEPHANT ARRIVES IN AMERICA


Captain Jacob Crowninshield of the ship "America" arrived in New York City today with the 1st elephant to ever be seen in America.


Captain Crowninshield purchased the 2 year old female pachyderm in India for $450 & reportedly has plans to sell her for several thousand dollars.

April 13, 1742


"MESSIAH" MAKES WORLD PREMIERE IN DUBLIN


George Frideric Handel's oratorio, "Messiah", made its world premiere today in Dublin, Ireland.


The idea for the piece came from a friend of Handel's who is a devout Christian.  He suggested to Handel such a piece should be performed in a theater rather than a church to remind people of their faith.


Handel completed "Messiah" in just 24 days.*


*Beethoven once called Handel "the greatest composer that ever lived".

                 George Frideric Handel