The red-coated Marine Band had just broken into the march strains of The Bay State Commandery, and President Eisenhower's 78 diplomatic guests were preparing to flow into the State Dining Room. Ike, in white tie, whispered to his naval aide to order the music stopped, stepped into the center of the East Room. "Ladies and gentlemen." he said, his face creased in smiles. "I have something interesting to announce. I have just been advised that a satellite is in orbit and that its weight is nearly 9,000 pounds." The crowd broke into...
To continue reading:
or
Log-In
