Theodore Roosevelt Island

The weather in DC these last few days have been exceptionally fair, especially when temperatures reach a high of 60 degrees by midafternoon. Given that it is late January and such conditions are unheard of, it seemed necessary to visit another outdoor national monument. Theodore Roosevelt Island is an 89 acre island consisting of a monument in his honor and a series of dirt trails crisscrossing the land. Getting there requires taking the blue line from Capitol South to Rosslyn, then a half mile walk across a biking trial and foot bridge that spans the Potomac. Upon arrival at the island, the monument is instantly viewable via a short walk uphill. Similar to the MLK memorial, behind the statue of Roosevelt were several massive pillars with etchings of quotes he said, split into four categories: Manhood, Nature, Youth, and State. As I read the “Manhood” tablet (apparently womanhood does not apply to our dear Mr. Roosevelt), one such quote caught my eye.

"All daring and courage, all iron endurance of misfortune make for a finer and nobler type of manhood."

Endurance of misfortune can push us in many directions. It isn’t easy becoming President of the United States, for one must endure criticism, hate, discrimination, and a much more. However, do we truly come out of misfortune a better person? Many will say yes, what doesn’t kill us only makes us stronger. But what of those with broken spirits, trampled by society and discrimination? The little girl who picks rice all day for a dollar has little opportunity to grow and improve from misfortune, and even if she does, can she achieve a nobler “manhood?” I can only imagine the difficulties affiliated with being born into an affluent family and high government connections, but maybe I’m being a cynic.

Overall, visiting the Island was an excellent experience and I could not have picked a lovelier day to visit. It was refreshing walking across the Potomac and on the various island trails. Watching the families, with the little children playing tag among the monuments, added to the delightful day it already was.

Adam K