Acting Secretary of the Navy Attends the Opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library

It is such an honor to speak today at the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. I love Teddy Roosevelt. Okay, who doesn't? In his inaugural speech in 1905, President Roosevelt said, much has been given us and much will rightfully be expected from us. We have duties to others and duties to ourselves, and we shirk neither. We didn't ask to be the leaders of the free world, but we are, and we must not shirk that responsibility. President Roosevelt saw emerging challenges around the world and believed the United States needed a modern, capable fleet ready to defend national interests. Roosevelt understood that America's interests required a fleet capable of operating worldwide. Every ship, every sailor, and every Marine advances the same objective Roosevelt championed more than 120 years ago, preserving peace through strength. The strength that had been built in peace became the source of security in war. Teddy Roosevelt was exactly the President America needed at the turn of the 20th century. 120 years later, in the 21st century, we have another great American who believes in American greatness, Donald J. Trump. Today, 107 years after he passed into eternity, Theodore Roosevelt's Presidential Library opens its doors. The life of Theodore Roosevelt reminds us that Americans never give up. We don't give up. As America turns 250 years old, we look at this remarkable man and we recall that with effort, determination, and drive, there is nothing that Americans of competence cannot do. Just as the great white fleet extended America's reach globally, today the golden fleet continues the legacy, delivering aid, providing security across the seven seas, and destroying the enemies of peace. Just ask Iran. As we open Theodore Roosevelt's Presidential Library today, we renew his vision which parallels President Trump's America First legacy. May we never forget that freedom was never and will never be free. It's paid with a price and there's always a price. May God bless you and may God bless the United States of America. Thank you so much.