Speech of President Roosevelt before Spanish War veterans, Armory, Detroit, Michigan, September 22, 1902
Subject(s): American Civil War (1861-1865), Citizenship--Moral and ethical aspects, Cuba, Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson), 1822-1885, Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865, Maybury, William Cotter, 1848-1909, Michigan--Detroit, New Mexico, New York (State)--New York, Philippine American War (Philippines : 1899-1902), Philippines, Puerto Rico, Reaney, William Henry, 1863-1915, Soldiers--Conduct of life, Soldiers--Training of, Spanish-American War (1898), Texas--San Antonio, United States. Army, United States. Navy, Veterans--U.S. states, Virginia--Appomattox, Yosemite (Cruiser)
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In Detroit, Michigan, President Roosevelt addresses a crowd of veterans of the Spanish-American War, telling them Mayor William C. Maybury’s invitation to speak to them was the first Roosevelt had accepted that fall. After joking that in the Spanish-American War “there was not enough war to go around,” Roosevelt notes with seriousness that veterans of that conflict hope they showed the same spirit and worthiness as the “men of Appomattox.” Using anecdotes from their military service, Roosevelt reminds them that as with soldiers, good citizens come from all walks of life and that the drudgery of hard work comes before heroism in battle. He urges the testing of oneself and one’s neighbors by “the essential instead of the non-essential qualities in each man.” He also highlights the need for modern military training and weapons but emphasizes that the character of the soldier is even more important. Finally, Roosevelt praises the United States’ actions and motives in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines and pledges the best results for the people of the Philippines in particular.
Collection
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Creation Date
1902-09-22
Creator(s)
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919
Language
English
Period
U.S. President – 1st Term (September 1901-February 1905)
Repository
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Page Count
6
Production Method
Record Type
Multi-image
Resource Type
Rights
These images are presented through a cooperative effort between the Library of Congress and Dickinson State University. No known restrictions on publication.
Citation
Cite this Record
Chicago:
Speech of President Roosevelt before Spanish War veterans, Armory, Detroit, Michigan, September 22, 1902. [September 22, 1902]. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o288831. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919. Speech of President Roosevelt before Spanish War veterans, Armory, Detroit, Michigan, September 22, 1902. [22 Sep. 1902]. Multi-image.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. February 13, 2026. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o288831.
APA:
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919., [1902, September 22]. Speech of President Roosevelt before Spanish War veterans, Armory, Detroit, Michigan, September 22, 1902.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o288831.
Cite this Collection
Chicago:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. February 13, 2026. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division.
APA:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division.
