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Quote of the day by ex-US President Dwight Eisenhower: 'Only Americans can ever hurt America. She will never be defeated by anyone from outside'
ET Online | February 6, 2026 9:57 PM CST

Synopsis

Dwight D. Eisenhower, a pivotal figure in 20th-century history, served as the 34th U.S. President after a distinguished military career, including Supreme Commander in WWII. His post-presidency reflections emphasized that a nation's true strength and vulnerability stem from its own people, not external forces. Eisenhower's life was marked by family values and a steady rise through significant leadership roles.

During World War I, Eisenhower was denied combat duty in Europe and instead trained tank crews

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Dwight David “Ike” Eisenhower, the 34th president of the United States, led the country from 1953 to 1961 and is widely remembered for his leadership during some of the most defining moments of the 20th century. Before entering the White House, Eisenhower played a crucial role in World War II as the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe. He reached the prestigious five-star rank as General of the Army and planned and supervised major military operations, including Operation Torch in North Africa between 1942 and 1943 and the historic Normandy invasion in 1944, which significantly shaped the course of the war.

After completing his presidency, Eisenhower delivered a powerful reflection during the dedication of the $3,000,000 Eisenhower Library. As reported by the New York Post, he said, “Now, America today is just as strong as it needs to be. America is the strongest nation in the world, and she will never be defeated or damaged seriously by anyone from the outside. Only Americans, only Americans can ever hurt us.” His words highlighted his belief that the real strength or vulnerability of a nation lies not in external threats, but in the actions and decisions of its own people.


About Dwight Eisenhower

Eisenhower’s journey was shaped by strong family values and steady determination. His father, David Jacob Eisenhower, was a college-educated engineer who chose education over continuing the family farm. His mother, Ida Elizabeth Stover Eisenhower, came from a German Protestant background and moved from Virginia to Kansas before marrying David in 1885. The family faced financial struggles after David’s general store business in Hope, Kansas, failed.

During World War I, Eisenhower was denied combat duty in Europe and instead trained tank crews. Over the years, he built his career through key military and leadership roles in the US and the Philippines. During World War II, he led crucial Allied invasions across Europe. After the war, he served as military governor of Germany, Army Chief of Staff, president of Columbia University, and later became NATO’s first supreme commander before winning the US presidency in 1952 and again in 1956.


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