Theodore Roosevelt Speeches--Still Relevant Today

[TrainTrac]

With all of the discussion about what constitututes being an American and hypenated Americans in the Infants on "No Fly" list? thread, I thought I'd post these links to a couple of speeches by TR. I found them to be fascinating, and still extremely relevant in American society today. Take the time to read them. Awesome speeches!



True Americanism:

 

[TrainTrac]

TR's speech on hyphenated Americanism:

 

[Deleted deleted]

Teddy was 'the man'... if if wasn't for him, the Grand Canyon would have been damed up and turned into a lake! We can thank him for our National Park Service.

 

[Juan Estrada]

Not to sure about the hyphenated American. I am Mexican-American and proud of it. I am proud to come from a mexican race. I love my culture, the language, THE FOOD. I teach my kids Spanish, I teach my co-workers Spanish. I share my culture with anyone who wants to learn about Mexicans. We aren't all Illegal Imagrants who come into the US through unproper channels. I listen to the music and embrace anyone who does as well. I follow as many Mexican traditions with my friends and family as I possibly can. My name is from Mexican decent and I wouldn't change it for the world. But



I am an American. I live in the greatest country in the world. I love the freedom, my life and our flag. I am an SSGT in the United States Air Force and I am fighting for everything that this country stands for. I fly the American flag outside my home, in my car and at work. I know more history about the US then most non-hyphenated Americans do. I have served in other countries and man we have it good. I don't think I can go by a week without someone asking me "what are you, Mexican, Puerto Rican? or do you speak Spanish?" why, if they know I am an American. See I am an American and I would never leave this country for another but I have something else. I have Mexican blood in me and that is something that will never leave. I have to keep the traditions going. We all must. If we didn't there wouldn't be Cinco De Mayo celebrations, Mexican Res. "not TACO BELL", Pinats at kids birthday parties. And it is not just Mexicans I am talking about. Asian-American, Native-Americans, African-Americans, and the list keeps going. American is what it is because of the diversity.



I was stationed in England and the first year I was there I remember standing on our parade field for the 4th of July. Standing with all my fellow Airman, Soilders, Sailors, and Marines and watching our American Flag fly above the British flag. Man that was something special.



TR had alot of good things to say that were true. My opionion on this matter is, it doesn't matter if someone uses a hyphen. It doesn't make them less of an American.



I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and its way of life, I am prepared to give my life in its defense.



I believe if I can make it statement like that and live by it, it doesn't make me any less of an American than someone who doesn't use a hyphen.

I don't mean to start anything and I hope this doesn't become an arguement, just freedom of speach.

 

[Bob McDonald]

Juan E,



As one of the non-hyphenated (at least for several generations), I salute you and your ethics and beliefs. I would be proud to call you a neighbor and friend.

 

[Teddy GreeneII]

Named after my father who was named after him, so sort of my namesake and yes, the couple of speeches that I have heard of his are somehting else.

 

[John Mastrocco]

Hey Juan!



First of all - Thanks for doing what you are doing.



Second of all - While I don't hyphenate, (I call myself a US citizen of Italian descent, not an Italian-American because I was born here not Italy), I understand what you are saying fully.



But surely you will admit that some people take it a little too far and the hyphenation trumps the citizenship in their minds, hearts and actions.

 

[Shawn Hennessy]

I am an American. With varying cultural/national/ethnic backgrounds. Some of my ancestors migrated to this content thousands of years ago. Others came to the colonies in 1720. Still others migrated in the 1900's. I have no hyphens. I honor and respect all of my ancestors and their cultures. Aside from my Cherokee ancestors, they all came to the colonies/US to escape the suffering in the countries of their birth. Not knowing what lay in store for them in this new land. None of them came here with any money. They were all broke. Yet, somehow they made their way and built a way of life. My GG Grandmother (along with her parents) travelled the Oregon trail from her home in Eastern Pennsylvania in the 1870's and settled in what is now Pierce County, WA.



Nah, I am American. Someone in my family has fought in EVERY major conflict of this nation. Rev, 1812, Civil War, Span Am, WWI, WWII, Korea, VN, Desert Storm, and the War on Terror.



I respect those who still place much value on their heritage. I don't know what it is like to identify with a single cultural heritage. Juan, you are an American! Thank you for your service and your contribution to this great country's heritage and culture.

 

[Nelson Atwell]

I am fourth generation military (Great-grandfather WWI Army, Grandfather drafted at the age of 42 in WWII, other Grandfather served in the Navy during WWII, two uncles served in the new Air Force during the Korea War, father served in the Navy during the Cuban Missile Crisis/Bay of Pigs and Vietnam -- none were killed during those wars -- our luck continues with me)



My ancestors have lived in Kentucky/Indiana as far as we have traced. I am a mix of Cherokee, Russian and several nations of the British Isles (England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland), but I have always just considered myself an American.





THE CODE OF CONDUCT



I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way

of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.



I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never

surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to

resist.



If I am captured, I will continue to resist by all means available. I will

make every effort to escape and aid others to escape. I will accept neither

parole nor special favors from the enemy.



If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners.

I will give no information or take part in any action which might be

harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will

obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me, and will back them up in

every way.



When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give

only name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering

further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or

written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to

their cause.



I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom,

responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my

country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.

 

[Richard L]

I guess i'm lucky. I'm an Irish-Slovenian-American, but I rarely flaunt my thuroughbred bloodlines so as not to make others feel inferior.



....Rich