The public is invited to celebrate Dwight D. Eisenhower's 119th birthday in a number of activities taking place at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum.

The 1950s era will come to life on Oct. 7 and 8 for Chapman and Abilene 7th graders respectively. The students will have the opportunity to learn more about the years our 34th President was in office. Programming will include research opportunities, behind-the-scenes archives tour, press conference with the President and icons of the 50s.

A student will play the role of Jim Hagerty for the opening "Presidential Press Conference" on the U-2 incident. The role of President Eisenhower will be portrayed by Bruce Hoff of the University of Texas Institute of Texan Cultures at San Antonio.

Hoff will also portray Eisenhower at the "Meet Mr. President" program Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. Visitors Center Auditorium. 'President Eisenhower' will discuss what it was like growing up in Abilene at the turn of the last century. This program is free and open to the public. "This will provide a unique opportunity, especially for those of us who never had the opportunity to meet President Eisenhower," states Kim Barbieri, education specialist at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum.

Activities continue into the next week. On Oct. 16, members of the Kansas Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) posts from around the state will stand guard at the Place of Meditation all night. The vigil begins at approximately 4:30 p.m. and will continue through the early morning hours.

The Annual Legacy Dinner will be held on Friday, Oct. 16 in the Library beginning with the reception at 6:15 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. The dinner cost is $50 and proceeds will benefit the Eisenhower Foundation Scholarship. Reservations are required by Oct 9 and can be made by calling 785.263.6700 or 877.RING.IKE. The Annual Legacy Dinner is sponsored by First Bank Kansas and Advantage Trust Company.

Keynote speaker for the dinner is the administrator of the St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, Department of Transportation in Washington, D.C. The honorable Collister "Terry" Johnson, Jr. has been invited in honor of the 50th anniversary of the St. Lawrence Seaway opening. Eisenhower Foundation Leadership awards will be presented to crew members from the USS Eisenhower Senior Chief Petty Officer Donald E. Henderson, Jr. and Petty Officer First Class Darrell K. Waller.

Oct. 17 will begin with a wreath laying ceremony on behalf of the U.S. President. The Command Group at Fort Riley will lead a procession and lay a wreath on Eisenhower's grave at 10:30 a.m. Following this ceremony, the American Legion Annual Pilgrimage will be held at 11 a.m. in front of the Statue in the center of the grounds. The Fort Riley 1st Infantry Division Band and Chapman Post #240 Honor Guard will participate in the pilgrimage. Additional activities, including a spectacular fireworks show will also take place the evening of Oct. 17. More information can be found on the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum web site.