Walk Softly But Carry A Big Stick

It is amazing to me, during this topsy-turvy world of mask wearing, social distancing, protests, and riots, that a single speech could inspire one. After listening to the speech, it reminded me of why my relatives came to these shores, and why the sight of the Statue of Liberty meant so much to so many down-trodden immigrants. The main reason America was such a shining beacon to the world are the Presidents who protected our Constitution. This July 3rd, President Trump gave a speech at Mount Rushmore. The four stone busts of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln represent some of our best leaders. The speech involved a brief synopsis of each person. It was amazing to learn that President Theodore Roosevelt had earned two of the greatest awards. No other person has earned the Nobel Peace Prize and the Medal of Honor, but he did. President T. Roosevelt was the first American statesman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. He brought America to the forefront in world diplomacy, working through back channels, on a peace treaty between the Russian and Japanese during the Russo-Japanese War. The treaty was called The Treaty of Portsmouth. He won the Medal of Honor for his role in the Spanish-American War. He was awarded the medal for his gallantry as a Rough Rider in his charge up San Juan hill in Cuba. Another one of his important accomplishments was the Panama Canal, which connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. His slogan “Walk softly but carry a big stick” became known when he built up our antiquated navy and sent the great fleet around the world to show America’s might. He was also a conservationist – he increased the acreage of the National Forest and the National Park System. He also enacted the Antiquities Act, which allowed future Presidents to name historical sights and landmarks under federal ownership. This man was proud to be an American, and not only was he proud, but he actively worked for the betterment of his country. But he is just one of the figures carved at Mount Rushmore. As President Trump spoke of the others, for the first time in a very long and dreary year, I felt such pride in those men who had given so much. They truly believed that action does speak louder than words. During the speech there was silence where I lived. After the speech, everyone in the neighborhood started to light fireworks. It was wonderful – America is still alive with the spirit. We may be down, but we are not out. Right on, USA!