On
the Memorial tablets:
NATURE
There
is delight in the hardy life of the open. (African
Game Trails, 1910)
There are no words that
can tell the hidden spirit of the wilderness, that can reveal its
mystery, its melancholy, and its charm. (African Game
Trails, 1910)
The nation behaves well
if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over
to the next generation increased and not impaired in value. (The
New Nationalism, 1910)
Conservation means development
as much as it does protection. (The New Nationalism,
1910)
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Theodore Roosevelt
Island,
Washington, DC
on
the Potomac River, reached by George Washington Memorial Parkway on
the Virginia shore; 88-acre nature preserve, with striking memorial
area consisting of fountains, carved tablets, and statue of TR by Paul
Manship.
Given to the American people
by
the Theodore Roosevelt Association and maintained by the National
Park Service.
Quotations
of Theodore Roosevelt are displayed on the tablets that are part of
the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial, Theodore Roosevelt Island:
Nature, Manhood, Youth
and the State.
Photo
by Peter T. Meyer
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On
the Memorial tablets:
MANHOOD
A man's usefulness
depends upon his living up to his ideals in so far as he can.
(A Letter to Dr. Sturgis Bigelow, March 29, 1898)
It is hard to fail, but
it is worse never to have tried to succeed. (The Strenuous
Life, 1900)
All daring and courage,
all iron endurance of misfortune make for a finer and nobler type
of manhood. (Address to Naval War College, June 2, 1897)
Only those are fit to
live who do not fear to die: and none are fit to die who have shrunk
from the joy of life and the duty of life. (The Great
Adventure, 1918)
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On
the Memorial tablets:
YOUTH
I want to see
you game, boys, I want to see you brave and manly, and I also want to
see you gentle and tender. (Address at
Friends School, Washington, DC, May 24, 1907)
Be practical as
well are generous in your ideals. Keep your eyes on the stars, but remember
to keep your feet on the ground. (Speech
at Prize Day Exercises at Groton School, Groton, MA, May 24 1904)
Courage, hard
work, self-mastery, and intelligent effort are all essential to successful
life. (America and the World War, 1915)
Alike for the
nation and the individual, the one indispensable requisite is character.
(American Ideals, 1897)
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More
on Theodore Roosevelt Island from the National Park Service
" While visiting
the Washington D.C. area last week I went onto Roosevelt Island which
is situated in the Potomac River. The island is an impressive memorial
to Theodore Roosevelt.
The memorial has as it's centerpiece a large bronze statue of TR.
There are also four large tablets that state TR's
philosophies on such subjects as youth, the role of the state, manhood
and honor.
The whole thing is bracketed by several large fountains and reflecting
pools. The entire island is a conservation preserve with walking trails.
I would encourage anyone who happens to be in the nation's capital
to visit the island. Reading TR's words on the tablets alone is a
very moving experience."
Joe
Vignolo from New Hampshire
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On
the Memorial tablets:
THE
STATE
Ours
is a government of liberty by, through, and under the law.
(Speech at Spokane, WA, May 26, 1903)
A great democracy has got
to be progressive or it will soon cease to be great or a democracy.
(The New Nationalism, 1910)
Order without liberty and
liberty without order are equally destructive. (Miscellaneous
Writings, c. 1890s)
In popular government results
worth having can be achieved only by men who combine worthy ideals with
practical good sense. (Address at Harvard Union, Feb.
23, 1907)
If I must choose between
righteousness and peace I choose righteousness. (America
and the World War, 1915)
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