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President Roosevelt addressing a large audience at the dedication of the New Jersey State Monument at Antietam Battlefield.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
1903-10-10
President Roosevelt regrets that he cannot attend the dedication of the New York Monuments at the Battlefield of Manassas, but expresses to Thomas D. Mosscrop his “deep and reverent affection for the gallant men” who fought for their country during the American Civil War.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-10-09
At the opening session of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen convention, President Roosevelt praises railroad workers as possessing the necessary qualities of soldiers, including obedience, initiative, and the rugged, manly virtues that Roosevelt feels are threatened by modern luxuries. He argues that organized labor is wonderful, but only if it encourages individual improvement while working for the group, and he feels that the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen have historically exemplified this virtue. Roosevelt warns that the prosperity of modern progress also gives rise to new challenges. He insists that, just as certain soldierly qualities remain constant despite changes in arms or military tactics, laws and constitutions may change but the need for good citizens of honesty, courage, and common sense will always be necessary. Having just visited the Chickamauga and Chattanooga battlefields, Roosevelt also praises the unified American spirit shared by men and women across the country, including immigrants.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-09-08
President Roosevelt addresses the crowd that has gathered at Morristown, Tennessee. He expresses gratitude that he has been able to visit East Tennessee as president, especially the Civil War battlegrounds of Chattanooga, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, and Lookout Mountain. He says anyone who visits these sites and reflects on the post-war lives of the Civil War veterans should come away a better American citizen and reminds his audience that the greatest Union naval commander, Admiral David Farragut, came from Tennessee. Roosevelt concludes by noting that Americans’ great deeds reflect positively on other Americans just as a deed “of a shameful character makes all of us hang our heads a little.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-09-08
President Roosevelt gratefully but briefly addresses the crowd gathered at Johnson City, Tennessee. He reflects on his experiences of the past two days visiting the grounds of the Battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, and Missionary Ridge—experiences which he says should make anyone a better American. He also references visiting the Knoxville home of Eliza Ann O’Brien Brownlow, widow of Governor William Brownlow of Tennessee.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-09-08
President Roosevelt reminds the crowd in Asheville, North Carolina, of the state’s connection to American history. He mentions his recent visits to the battlegrounds at Chickamauga and Chattanooga and says no citizen can visit them without becoming a better American. He discusses his multi-state journey, saying it is a good thing for a president to travel so he can see that sectional and class differences are trivial. He notes how military arms and tactics may change but the necessary spirit of the good soldier remains the same; so too may laws and constitutions change, but Americans must always possess the qualities of good citizens: honesty, courage, and common sense. He concludes by reminding the crowd that all Americans are part of the government.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-09-09
Governor Nash writes to President Roosevelt to invite Roosevelt to a ceremony to erect a monument dedicated to the Ohio regiments of the Civil War at the Antietam battlefield, as well as a monument dedicated to William McKinley.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-09-03