Eisenhower closes his speech with a flowery paragraph exalting the American ideals of brother/sisterhood and love (don't get us wrong, we believe in that stuff too). Then he actually says farewell with a few simple sentences: "Now, on Friday noon, I am to become a private citizen. I am proud to do so. I look forward to it. Thank you, and good night" (VII. 6-7).

Ike helped lead the victory against Nazi Germany, faced off with the nuclear-armed Soviet Union, and led America through the Korean War. Add to those literally monumental accomplishments dozens of other national projects and initiatives, and Ike was heading into retirement as one of the most successful and productive public figures in American history.

You bet he was looking forward to it.