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Adlai Stevenson II
Los Angeles, California, United States
Archival Overview
Governor of Illinois, two-time Democratic presidential nominee, and US Ambassador to the UN who dramatically confronted the Soviets with U-2 spy photos during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Biographical Record
Adlai Ewing Stevenson II (1900–1965) was an American statesman, diplomat, and Democratic politician admired throughout the world for his intellectual eloquence, wit, and liberal humanitarian vision. Grandson of Vice President Adlai Stevenson I, he earned a law degree from Northwestern and served as reform Governor of Illinois (1949–1953), cracking down on political corruption and modernizing state highways.
As the Democratic presidential nominee in 1952 and 1956 against Dwight D. Eisenhower, Stevenson captivated educated voters by promising to 'talk sense to the American people'. Appointed US Ambassador to the United Nations by John F. Kennedy in 1961, Stevenson achieved his finest hour during the October 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis: at an emergency UN Security Council session, he famously challenged Soviet Ambassador Valerian Zorin to deny offensive missiles in Cuba ('I am prepared to wait for my answer until hell freezes over!') and displayed declassified U-2 photographic proof.
Key Life Milestones
Democratic Presidential Nomination
Delivered his celebrated acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention, defining liberal intellect and civic responsibility.
Cuban Missile Crisis Confrontation
Exposed Soviet nuclear missile sites in Cuba with declassified aerial photographs at the UN Security Council, winning decisive international support.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialBloomington, Illinois, United States