We were in Colorado on a brief vacation after attending a week at Glorieta Encampment near Santa Fe, New Mexico. The morning paper told that former President Dwight D Eisenhower would be at the Air Force Academy the next day to dedicate their new golf course. This man was one of the great personalities of the 20th century. He commanded the greatest army ever assembled in Europe during World War II. We were able, Ann and I, to position ourselves about thirty feet from this legend, watching as he laughingly removed his suit coat to take a swing at the first official ball off the tee. I had my camera and took pictures during this warm-up. I knew not to snap one during his swing. Ike wasn't the greatest golfer but he loved the game. I could relate to that. A few days later, back in Texas ,I had my photos in hand. One was pretty good so I decided to send it to Gettysburg where Ike and Mamie had retired. I asked this great man to autograph the picture. I even sent an envelope with address and stamps. And then I waited. It seemed like weeks but really wasn't that long. There was the envelope I had prepared. Like a kid at Christmas I opened the brown envelope to see the photo I had taken. Across one lower corner was the most famous name in the world, Dwight D Eisenhower!
It is faded now. The film quality wasn't very good. It doesn't matter. Ike signed the amateurish picture I took that day at Colorado Springs. Some things in life are like that picture; old and faded and yet priceless. Some persons are like that.