TRU Blog

TRU Blog

Hanukkah at The White House | December 7, 2015

 

From the Archives

Hanukkah at The White House

Among the gifts from heads of state that are in the holdings of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum is a menorah presented to President Truman by Israel’s first Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion. The menorah dates back to at least 1767, when it was donated to a synagogue in Buergel, Germany.

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Hanukkah at The White House

Giving Thanks in 1945 | November 25, 2015

A Word from Harry

Presidential Proclamation 2673 – Thanksgiving Day, 1945

By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

In this year of our victory, absolute and final, over German fascism and Japanese militarism; in this time of peace so long awaited, which we are determined with all the United Nations to make permanent; on this day of our abundance, strength, and achievement; let us give thanks to Almighty Providence for these exceeding blessings.

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Giving Thanks in 1945

Picturing History – Japan Surrenders | August 14, 2015

 

VICTORY!

“I have received this afternoon a message from the Japanese Government…”

At 7 pm on August 14, 1945, President Harry Truman stood before reporters gathered at the White House and announced the unconditional surrender of Japan. The Pacific War was over. Although the formal signing of the terms of surrender ending World War II would not occur until September 2nd, the announcement of Victory over Japan Day, or V-J Day, sent millions of Americans–citizens and members of the armed forces, out into the streets of cities and towns across the country and around the world.

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Picturing History – Japan Surrenders

TRU Education | December 8, 2014

Today’s children. Tomorrow’s leaders.

“How will your actions affect our national debt?”

“Will the Marshall Plan apply to Korea if it is destroyed in this action?”

“How will you prevent the spread of communism elsewhere in the world while you are engaged in this action?”

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TRU Education

TRU History | November 26, 2014

 

Did Harry Truman Pardon the First Turkey?

The official “pardoning” of White House turkeys is an interesting White House tradition that has captured the imagination of the public in recent years. Recently White House mythmakers have claimed that President Harry S. Truman began this amusing holiday tradition. However, the Truman Library & Museum disputes the notion that Truman was the first president to pardon the holiday bird.

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TRU History