Theodore Roosevelt actually said...

We can glory now in the deeds of Manilla and Santiago, because for the dozen years before our people were building up the Navy.

I ask that you show your appreciation of what the Navy did in '98, that you show your appreciation of what was done in the past by the pione...

If we do not, then our children when they look back for cause of pride in our history will have to skip our generation.

We have met to commemorate a mighty pioneer feat, a feat of the old days, when men needed to call upon every ounce of courage and hardihood ...