Theodore Roosevelt’s Personal WWI Letters Give A Glimpse Into His Deep Grief

Theodore Roosevelt’s tenure as president had ended in 1909, but he stood as an ardent supporter of the country’s entry into World War I eight years later. Little did he know then, but the conflict would bring him a devastating grief from which he’d never recover. And a letter he sent in the wake of the war gives a glimpse of Roosevelt’s deep sorrow.

As president, Roosevelt made an indelible mark on history – many still consider him to be one of the best commanders-in-chief that the country has ever seen. Much of that had to do with his heavy focus on character. Roosevelt made the president the center of the American political system and inspired citizens to vote for someone honorable to take the role.

Roosevelt led a notable life outside of office, too. His first wife, Alice, passed away in 1884, just after giving birth to their daughter of the same name. Roosevelt eventually remarried his childhood neighbor and friend Edith Carow – who helped him raise young Alice. Then, the couple had five more children of their own: Ethel, Theodore, Kermit, Quentin and Archibald.

By the time the U.S. had entered into WWI in 1917, Roosevelt’s sons had reached the age at which they could enlist in the military. And all four of them signed up – Theodore, Kermit and Archibald in the Army, and Quentin in the Air Corps. Meanwhile, their father praised their decision to fight in a military operation that he openly supported.

Quentin had no trouble earning the respect of his fellow fighters, and he made a point not to lead with his famous surname while in the trenches. All the while, he kept in touch with his father at home through letters that the two exchanged. Roosevelt’s most heartbreaking message didn’t end up in his son’s mailbox, though.