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Cocoli where the living is easy...

Page 31 - Teddy Roosevelt and the Panama Canal

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Teddy Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt was the moving force in the construction of the Panama Canal. He fought in the Spanish-American War as a lieutenant Colonel in 1898. In the picture he is wearing his military uniform, which he wore when he was part of the "Rough Riders."


In the 1904 Presidential Campaign Teddy Roosevelt was referred to in such words as the "Big Stick" and the "Teddy Bear."

One of his campaign theme songs was: "A Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight" which was first made famous by a St. Louis brothel. The song itself reminds me much of Panama, when I lived there.

In one of Teddy's speeches he said the following, it kind of says it all:

"It is not the critic who counts, nor the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust, sweat and blood; who knows great enthusiasm, great devotion and the triumph of achievement and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while doing greatly... so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat." --- Theodore Roosevelt

Let me share with you the citation of Teddy Roosevelt's Medal of Honor:

CITATION awarding the Medal of Honor to Theodore Roosevelt:

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of The Congress the Medal of Honor to:

LIEUTENANT COLONEL THEODORE ROOSEVELT UNITED STATES ARMY

for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.

Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Roosevelt distinguished himself by acts of bravery on 1 July 1898, near Santiago de Cuba, Republic of Cuba, while leading a daring charge up San Juan Hill. Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt, in total disregard for his personal safety, and accompanied by only four or five men, led a desperate and gallant charge up San Juan Hill, encouraging his troops to continue the assault through withering enemy fire over open countryside. Facing the enemy's heavy fire, he displayed extraordinary bravery throughout the charge, and was the first to reach the enemy trenches, where he quickly killed one of the enemy with his pistol, allowing his men to continue the assault. His leadership and valor turned the tide in the Battle for San Juan Hill. Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

To learn more about Teddy Roosevelet, I invite you to the following web site.