WASHINGTON (AP) — Members of a federal commission working to build a memorial to President Dwight D. Eisenhower in Washington are issuing a unanimous statement supporting architect Frank Gehry and his design concept after hearing months of criticism.
On Tuesday, the commission issued a joint statement saying Gehry has their “total and unqualified support.” The commissioners say Gehry followed their direction and consulted with Eisenhower’s family.
Gehry’s design calls for a memorial park framed by metal tapestries depicting Eisenhower’s boyhood home in Kansas. Carved stones would depict Ike as president and World War II hero, along with a statue of a young Eisenhower.
Eisenhower’s family says it focuses on his humble roots, rather than Ike’s accomplishments.
The commission includes both Kansas senators and lawmakers from Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Rhode Island and Texas.
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