Theodore Roosevelt consistently sought to inspire Americans to embody the ideals of the nation, emphasizing active participation in democracy and the continuous effort required to maintain and improve the country. 

The 26th President adored giving speeches, echoing the greatness of our country on our nation’s birthday. One in particular, given in Huntington, N.Y., on the 4th of July, 1903 is worth revisiting. 

Roosevelt in his speech emphasized:

What was on President Roosevelt’s mind 121 years ago is relevant today. We all need to come together, showing gratitude for those whose past deeds help provide us with the freedom we enjoy today. 

We need to appreciate the past, with a full understanding the past was far from perfect. 

We all share a responsibility to improve our nation through our willingness to respect each other’s differences, working on solutions, not complaining about problems. We must unite all our forces to repair what’s broken and innovate our future.

As we celebrate our nation’s birthday today, we need to show respect to those before us, those who will come after and, those we might disagree with. This country was formed on respectful differences, respectful behavior. 

“So we come here together on the Fourth of July to see what a great people we are; to see how well the generations of our dead have done their duty,” Roosevelt said.

“If we fail to realize that there is before us the obligation of handing down unimpaired to our children the courage that we have received from our fathers, then the truth is not in us.”

Happy 4th to all. And God Bless America. 

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