Theodore Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt (79k jpg)

Theodore Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt, 1858 -1919, was the twenty-sixth president of the United States (1901-09) and is considered by many to be one of our greatest presidents. His rise from a sickly child to a world famous adventurer, hunter, conservationist, and world leader has inspired many individuals to strive against all odds to try and better themselves, and to face the challenges of life with honor and self reliance. 

While not all of his policies and ideas were what patriots would agree with today, he probably did more things right than most other presidents.  In addition, I do not believe he thought that many policies that he looked at as temporary solutions, would be continued ad infinitum.

His famous saying: "Walk softly and carry a big stick," is the basis for a safe and secure life for many.

This picture of him is part of a portrait painted by John Singer Sargent.

An excerpt from Roosevelt's  message to Congress in 1908

"There should be legislation to provide a complete plan for organizing the great body of volunteers behind the Regular Army and the National Guard when war has come. Congressional assistance should be given those who are endeavoring to promote rifle practice so that our men, in the Services and out of them, may know how to use the rifle. While teams representing the United States won the Rifle and Revolver Championships of the World against all comers in England this year, it is unfortunately true that the great body of our citizens shoot less and less as time goes on. To meet this we should encourage rifle practice among schoolboys, and indeed among all classes, as well as in the military services, by every means in our power. Thus, and not otherwise, may we be able to assist in preserving the peace of the world. Fit to hold our own against the strong nations of the earth, our voice for peace will carry to the ends of the earth. Unprepared, and therefore unfit, we must sit dumb and helpless to defend ourselves, protect others, or preserve peace. The first step — in the direction to avert war if possible, and to be fit for war if it should come — is to teach our men to shoot."

An American
Who goes there? An American!
Brain and spirit and brawn and heart,
'Twas for him that the nations spared
Each to the years its noblest part;
Till from the Dutch, the Gaul, the Celt
Blossomed the Soul of Roosevelt

Student, trooper, and gentleman
Level-lidded with times and kings,
His the voice for a comrade's cheer
His the ear when the saber rings.
Hero shades of the old days melt
In the quick pulse of Roosevelt.
Hand that is molded to hilt of sword;
Heart that ever has laughed at fear;
Type and pattern of civic pride;
Wit and grace of the cavalier;
All that his fathers prayed and felt
Gleams in the glance of Roosevelt.

Who goes there? An American!
Man to the core- as men should be.
Let him pass through the lines alone,
Type of the Sons of Liberty,
Here where his fathers' fathers dwelt,
Honor and faith for Roosevelt.

                           Grace Duffie Boylan 

If you are interested in additional information on TR or things related to him try the following sites.



The Theodore Roosevelt Association can be contacted through their website at www.theodorerossevelt.org, or by snail mail at:

The Theodore Roosevelt Association
P.O. Box 719
Oyster Bay, NY 11771-0719
516-921-6319 (Voice),
516-921-6481 (FAX)


If you know of any other good sites relating to Theodore I'd appreciate it if you would email Fr.Frog by clicking here and let me know the URL so I can add it to my list.


| Back to Fr. Frog's Home Page |


Updated 2021-12-31