As a young boy, Dwight Eisenhower was raised in a devout Christian home. However, during his high school years, the young man became more interested in reading military history books than anything else. After high school graduation, the young man, at the urging of a friend, took an enrollment entrance exam for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. As it turned out, Dwight had a high score on his exam and was accepted into West Point. In 1915, he graduated from West Point.

Since his four years in college were paid for by the federal government, Dwight was required to serve as an officer in the U.S. military. During the next 20+ years, it became apparent to Dwight’s superior officers that he excelled in his ability to lead and encourage those under his command. This, along with Dwight’s later attendance into the Army’s graduate school in Leavenworth, Kansas, explains how the young officer advanced so quickly in his rank in the Army.

By late 1939, Nazi Germany had begun to invade a number of European countries, including two countries (England and France) that the U.S. had close ties to. By Dec 7, 1941, America would enter the war when Japan (Germany’s ally) bombed the U.S. Naval Base in Honolulu. Dwight’s knowledge of warfare tactics resulted in him becoming the leader of the Allied invasion of Europe.

Sadly, the invasion of Europe and the success of Allied forces cost many thousands of American lives from 1941 to 1945. Their sacrifice was not forgotten by Dwight. At the war’s conclusion, the U.S. general realized the danger of governments like the Soviet Union, which was atheistic due to following Karl Marx, as well as the Nazi government’s horrible persecution of their Jewish population. Recognizing this, Dwight realized the importance of following the God of the Bible.

In early 1952, the well-known general was encouraged to run for president. By the end of November of that year, he won the election as president of our country. Rev. Billy Graham met earlier with the presidential candidate, telling him that joining a church would set a good example for the rest of the country. Within two weeks of his inauguration, Dwight joined the National Presbyterian Church. He also became the first president in history to be baptized while in office. By now, he realized that it was essential for him as a national leader to demonstrate faith in God. On January 20, 1953, Dwight began his inauguration address with an opening prayer that he personally wrote and delivered.

It was now evident to many Americans that President Eisenhower wanted to make belief in God a hallmark of his administration. Dwight’s cabinet meeting would begin with a moment of silent prayer. He also initiated the National Prayer Breakfast and welcomed Billy Graham into the White House as their spiritual advisor.

There was also a concerted effort by President Eisenhower to publicly honor God by placing the words ‘under God’ in the Pledge of Allegiance. As the president was signing this legislation to add this phrase, he said, “From this day forward, millions of school children will daily proclaim in every city and town, every village and rural school house, the declaration of our nation and our people to the Almighty.” By 1956, the motto ‘In God We Trust’ was placed on all printed U.S. currency due in part to the president’s positive influence.

By late 1968, the former president’s health declined and he was transferred to Walter Reed Hospital in Maryland. His good friend Billy Graham again paid him a visit. It was during this last meeting when his friend Billy would again recite to Dwight the plan of salvation, after which Dwight said, “I’m ready.” On March 28, 1969, the 78-year-old former president passed away of congestive heart failure.

During the term of Eisenhower’s presidency (1952-1960), Dwight resolved and accomplished peace in Korea. Our country also experienced a period of economic prosperity and well-being. It is estimated that from 1940 to 1960, church attendance dramatically increased by approximately 20 percent. Our country was at that time guided by a President who was spiritually inspired and fully committed to God.