But what Dr. Cooper does is not important. At least not so far. With the possible exception of "Fun With Flags." JSDE held worthwhile jobs, made significant contributions, even participated in notable events. Take, for example, this note:

It was January 20, 1953, when it became my time to take part in the ceremonies of turning the office of the Presidency over to Dwight D. Eisenhower. Washington, on that day, was cold and clear but not uncomfortable. The President-elect and I were sitting in the room of the sergeant-at-arms in the Capitol, waiting to go out through the Rotunda to the Inaugural platform.

Suddenly General Eisenhower turned to me and said: "I wonder who is responsible for my son John being ordered to Washington from Korea? I wonder who is trying to embarrass me?"

I answered: "The President of the United States ordered your son to attend your Inaugural. The President thought it was right and proper for your son to witness the swearing-in of his father to the Presidency. If you think somebody was trying to embarrass you by this order then the President assumes full resposibility."

I thought this was a curious reaction by a father to the presence of his son on an occasion so historic for himself and his family. I could only account for it on the grounds that this was a manifestation of hostility towards me.

At this moment, the sergeant-at-arms indicated it was time for us to go out to the platform. Ten minutes later, Dwight D. Eisenhower, standing on the Inaugural platform before Chief Justice Fred D. Vinson, took the oath of office as our new President and commander-in-chief, so swift and complete was the shift of authority and responsibility.

And so ended my authority over Major John Eisenhower and all other authority as well.

from "Mr. Citizen" by Harry S. Truman