33RD POTUS WAS "MR. CITIZEN"

TRUMAN DIES IN INDEPENDENCE

Independence, Missouri (JFK+50) On December 26, 1972, President Harry S Truman* died at the age of 88 here in Independence.   Mr. Truman, who retired from the Presidency on January 20, 1953, referred to himself as "Mr. Citizen". 

Truman had been admitted to Kansas City Research Hospital and Medical Center on December 5th and was diagnosed with lung congestion, heart irregularity, kidney blockages and failure of the digestive system.

The 33rd POTUS, known for his salty language, made some derogatory statements during the 1960 presidential campaign about voters who were planning to cast their ballots for Richard M. Nixon.

At one point, Senator Kennedy sent a telegram to Mr. Truman saying...

"Mr. President, I have noted with interest your suggestion as to where those who vote for my opponent should go.  While I sympathize with your deep motivation, I think our side should refrain from raising the religious issue."

*Harry S Truman (1884-1972) was born in Lamar. Missouri.  He served in WWI and was partner in a men's clothing store in Kansas City after the war.

HST was elected to the US Senate in 1934 and was selected as FDR's running mate in 1944.  He became president upon FDR's death on April 12, 1945. HST won an upset victory over Thomas E. Dewey in 1948. 

Former President Truman

At his desk at the Truman Library

HST Library Photo (1959)

DEATH OF HARRY S TRUMAN

PRESIDENT TRUMAN DIED 42 YEARS AGO 

Independence, Missouri (JFK+50) Former President Harry S Truman* died forty-two years ago today, December 26, 1972, here in Independence. He was 88 years old.

Mr. Truman, who retired from the Presidency in January 1953, referred to himself as "Mr. Citizen" of Independence, Missouri.

Mr. Truman had been admitted to Kansas City Research Hospital and Medical Center on December 5, 1972.  He was diagnosed as having lung congestion, heart irregularity, kidney blockages and failure of the digestive system.

The 33rd president, survived by wife Bess and daughter Margaret, was buried at the Harry S Truman Presidential Library.  

Former President Truman

At his desk at the Truman Library

HST Library Photo (1959)

Truman, who was known for his sometimes "salty" language, made some rather derogatory statements during the 1960 presidential campaign about voters who were planning to cast their ballots for Republican Richard M. Nixon.

At one point, JFK responded to these statements.  Senator Kennedy said that he had sent a telegram to Mr. Truman which included these words...

"Mr. President, I have noted with interest your suggestion as to where those who vote for my opponent should go.  While I sympathize with your deep motivation, I think our side should refrain from raising the religious issue."

During his visit with President John F. Kennedy at the White House in January 1961, Mr. Truman said...

"Within the first few months I discovered that being president is like riding a tiger.  A man has to keep riding or be swallowed."

*Harry S Truman (1884-1972) was born in Lamar. Missouri.  He served in WWI and was partner in a men's clothing store in Kansas City after the war.
HST was elected to the US Senate in 1934 and was selected as FDR's running mate in 1944.  He became president upon FDR's death on April 12, 1945. HST won an upset victory over Thomas E. Dewey in 1948. 

Funeral of President Truman

Truman Presidential Library

Independence, Missouri

CHURCHILL SPEAKS, TRUMAN DIES

CHURCHILL SPEAKS TO U.S. CONGRESS

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) 72 years ago today, December 26, 1941, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill addressed a joint session of the Congress of the United States at the Capitol here in Washington.

                       Winston Churchill 
                      Speech to Congress
                       December 26, 1941

The Prime Minister began his speech with these words:

"I cannot help reflecting that if my father had been American and my mother British instead of the other way round, I might have gotten here on my own."

Winston Churchill continued...

"To me the best tidings of all--the United States, united as never before (since the Pearl Harbor attack of Dec 7), has drawn the sword for freedom...."

The British PM reminded the members of Congress that together the United Kingdom and the United States were "facing a group of mighty foes who seek our ruin."

Mr. Churchill concluded his remarks with these words:

"Here we are together, defending all that to free men is dear.  I avow my hope and faith....that in the days to come the British and American peoples will....walk together in majesty, in justice and in peace."


PRESIDENT TRUMAN DIES IN INDEPENDENCE

Independence, Missouri (JFK+50) Former President Harry S Truman* died at 7:50 this morning, December 26, 1972, here in his home town.

Mr. Truman, who retired from the Presidency in January 1953, referred to himself as "Mr. Citizen" of Independence, Missouri.

Mr. Truman had been hospitalized since December 4 with lung congestion, heart irregularity, kidney blockages and failure of the digestive system.

The 33rd president, survived by wife Bess and daughter Margaret, was buried at the Harry S Truman Presidential Library.  

President Truman's Casket and Wreath

Harry S Truman Presidential Library

Independence, Missouri

December 27, 1972

Photo by Cecil Schrepfer

NARA/Truman Library Image

During his visit with President John F. Kennedy at the White House in January 1961, Mr. Truman said...

"Within the 1st few months I discovered that being president is like riding a tiger.  A man has to keep riding or be swallowed."


*Harry S Truman (1884-1972) was born in Lamar. Missouri.  He served in WWI and was partner in a men's clothing store in Kansas City after the war.

He was elected to the US Senate in 1934 and was selected as FDR's running mate in 1944.  He became president upon FDR's death on April 12, 1945.

Truman won an upset victory over Republican Thomas E. Dewey in 1948. As President he had a sign on his desk which read 'The Buck Stops Here."

           Funeral of President Truman
           Truman Presidential Library
                 Independence, Missouri