Portland Studio ~ Blog

Friday, August 8, 2008

Theodore Roosevelt

If you look at Mount Rushmore, you will identify Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. At first glance it might seem as though Roosevelt’s inclusion was a mark of generational narcissism, but a closer study reveals that Theodore Roosevelt deserves to keep company with the greats.

One historian described him as “pure act.” He assumed the presidency at just 42-years-old, after William McKinley died from an anarchist’s bullet. This makes him the youngest to fill the office. He was a busy and distinguished man. He served as the Governor of New York, and the Assistant Secretary of the Navy. He was the founder of the nation’s first Volunteer Calvary Regiment, a professional historian, naturalist, explorer, author, conservationist, and cowboy. It is said that he had a photographic memory and was the most widely read politician along with Thomas Jefferson. Additionally, he wrestled while in the Governor’s mansion, hunted big game in Africa, boxed in the White House’s State Rooms, and supervised the building of the West Wing. He also put Lincoln on the Penny, and survived an assassination attempt. After his presidency, he explored the forests of South America and found the headwaters of the River of Doubt, later called the Rio Roosevelt. Predictably, he was an active and enthusiastic supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, and they in turn bestowed upon him the singular title “Chief Scout Citizen.” During his life he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for the part he played in the reconciliation between Russia and Japan. He was also recommended for the Congressional Medal of Honor, but political opposition suppressed the award until 2001. Theodore Roosevelt remains the only American to receive both the medal for peace and the highest recognition for valor.

So here’s the deal. We’re going to do a week of posts on President Roosevelt because someone has to. Check back on Monday for the first of five. Well, technically, this is one, so check back Monday for the next five.