Teddy's Fourth of July by Mort Kunstler ~ Americans called him “Teddy” or “T.R.,” and even in his day he seemed larger than life. He was an author, a cowboy, a politician, a historian, a war hero – and the 26th President of the United States. Determined, exuberant, strong-willed and patriotic, Theodore Roosevelt was like no other American president.

Born in New York City in 1858, he was a sickly child who spent his time in studies. He was graduated from Harvard University, and left the study of law at Columbia University to serve as a New York legislator – until exiling himself in the “Wild West” following the deaths of his beloved first wife, and his mother. In 1886, he emerged from two years of cattle ranching in North Dakota as a robust, energetic and determined leader.

Although defeated as a candidate for mayor of New York City, he earned respect as a Federal civil service commissioner, served as head of the New York Police Commission, and somehow found time to write an acclaimed history of American westward expansion called The Winning of the West. As its Assistant Secretary, he strengthened the U.S. Navy at a pivotal time in history; and during the Spanish-American War, he led the cavalry regiment he had organized – the “Rough Riders” – in a bold charge up Cuba’s San Juan Hill to become a national hero.

Back home he was elected governor of New York, then was made the vice presidential running mate to Republican William McKinley, who was elected president in 1900. Less than a year later, McKinley was assassinated, and Theodore Roosevelt found himself the new President of the United States. Pronouncing the job a “bully pulpit,” he pursued his duties with his typical drive and enthusiasm. He attacked illegal business practices, projected American naval power around the globe, helped establish America’s national parklands and modern conservationism, launched construction of the Panama Canal, and won the Nobel Prize for bringing an end to the Russo-Japanese War.

Always, he was the enthusiastic family man, the dynamic leader and the supreme patriot – who loved his little hometown of Oyster Bay, New York and his large, rambling home at Sagamore Hill. Throughout his presidency he attempted to celebrate every Independence Day in his hometown. Each visit was a personal and patriotic event, marked by flags, parades, speeches and exuberant celebration. Oyster Bay and its proud, patriotic people typified the best of the American nation to Roosevelt, especially on Independence Day. For “Teddy,” the Fourth of July was a “bully” event – and it was always a privilege to be an American.