May 2024 Auction Ends Thursday, May 30th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/30/2024
Harry Truman signed press release of his farewell speech to the American people, delivered 12 January 1953, eight days before Dwight Eisenhower took office and ending a Democratic party rule that began with Franklin D. Roosevelt 20 years prior. In this speech, likely signed as President, Truman congratulates and wishes good luck to Eisenhower and tells the country that an orderly transition is taking place. He then remembers events of his Presidency, from the day he took office upon the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt to the present. Address reads in part, ''…On May 7, Germany surrendered…Mr. Churchill called me shortly thereafter and wanted a meeting with me and Prime Minister Stalin of Russia…Meanwhile the first atomic explosion took place out in the New Mexico desert. The war against Japan was still going on. I made the decision that the atomic bomb had to be used to end it…Japan surrendered…All those things happened within just a little over four months, from April to August, 1945. I tell you this to illustrate the tremendous scope of the work your President has to do…'' Truman also references the famous motto of his Presidency, ''the buck stops here'', writing, ''…The greatest part of the President's job is to make decisions…The papers may circulate around the government for awhile but they finally reach this desk…The President, whoever he is, has to decide. He can't pass the buck to anybody…'' Signed ''Harry Truman'' at the conclusion. Release runs six pages on three sheets measuring 8'' x 14''. Folds, overall near fine.
Harry Truman Signed Press Release of His Farewell Speech to the American People on 12 January 1953 -- ''…He can't pass the buck to anybody…''
Click above for larger image.