February 17th, 2025
Dear Readers,
On this fantastic federal holiday (President’s Day), I thought it might be appropriate to highlight just a few gentleman who perhaps don’t get the recognition they deserve.
We’re not talking about the George Washingtons, Abraham Lincolns, and Ronald Reagans of the world. But those men who were crucial in the development and thriving of our nation, yet are not often recognized for their extraordinary contributions.
John Quincy Adams.
Most famous for being the son of John Adams, one of the founding fathers and writers of the Constitution, John Quincy Adams is often overlooked as one of America’s great presidents.
As president, he pushed for better roads and canals to help grow the economy and unite the country. He also helped shape U.S. foreign policy by drafting the Monroe Doctrine, which warned Europe to stay out of the Americas. He was also instrumental in the Adams-Onís Treaty, which secured Florida from Spain and established a clear boundary between U.S. and Spanish territories in North America.
After his presidency, Adams didn’t just fade away—he went on to serve in the House of Representatives, where he became a passionate voice against slavery.
William McKinley.
While he is probably most famous for preceding Theodore Roosevelt, William McKinley did many great things that he is not often credited with.
McKinley led the U.S. to victory in the Spanish-American War, acquiring Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, marking the U.S.'s emergence as a global power.
He (like other presidents) was very much in favor of high tariffs. Specifically to support American workers and industry. High tariffs would ideally keep foreign goods at a minimum and significantly increase the excess of American goods for the American people to consume, buy, and create.
He also signed the Gold Standard Act (1900), which established gold as the sole basis for redeeming paper currency, stabilizing the economy, and ending the debate over gold vs. silver.
While you might argue that this isn’t relevant today since we are no longer on the gold standard, it’s essential to consider the decisions a president made during their presidency and how it affected the citizens of the day.
McKinley was also famous for his annexation of Hawaii, which expanded the reach of the United States to the Pacific as well as the Atlantic.
Theodore Roosevelt.
My favorite, and in my estimation the coolest as well, Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt is often glossed over as one of the great modern presidents.
First, he was instrumental in the construction of the Panama Canal, which connected the Atlantic to the Pacific, revolutionizing trade around the world.
He fought against the monopolies of his time, guaranteeing FairPlay in the business world. Also, Roosevelt signed legislation that ensured the safety and labeling of food and medicine, making the American public safer from disease.
Before his time as president, he formed the Rough Riders, a volunteer cavalry regiment comprising a diverse group of men, including cowboys, miners, college athletes, and Native Americans. Roosevelt's leadership and charisma helped rally the group, and they became one of the most famous units of the war.
As a child, he was considered sickly, suffering from asthma and an overall weak disposition. However, he didn’t let this define him. He chose hard physical labour and exercise to make himself stronger, mentally and physically.
To add to everything, he even won the Nobel Peace Prize for mediating the end of the Russo-Japanese War, making him the first American ever to win the award.
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These men, and many others, are perhaps worthy of their days and not just President's Day. They deserve our respect and admiration; I hope today's message has done just that.
