[Written on the initial marker, provided for context]
Our Constitution names the President of the United States the Commander in Chief of all the Armed Forces. Presidents who have served in our military are displayed on the following plaques. Each has served either on Active Duty, in the National Guard or in the Reserves. History will judge their performance as President and as Commander in Chief, usually long after they have served. Each President is to be commended for their service and each fill the office of President in a particular time-frame, confronted with unique problems and circumstances. It is fitting that we honor their service here.
William McKinley, 25th President
President McKinley enlisted as a private in the 23rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War, attaining the rank of Brevet Major. Served in the same regiment as Rutherford B. Hayes. He was the third US President to be assassinated on September 6, 1901.
Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President
President Roosevelt served as a member of the New York National Guard (1882-1885); served as Commander of the 1st Volunteer Cavalry Regiment (Rough Riders) during the Spanish American War, attaining rank of Colonel. Later, her [sic] received the Nobel Peace Prize as President in 1906, the first American to receive this award. In 2001, he was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously (the only President to receive the Medal of Honor). He is the only person in history to have received his nation's highest honor for military valor and also the world's foremost prize for peace.
Harry S. Truman, 33rd President
President Truman served in the Missouri National Guard (1905-1911), served with the 129th Field Artillery (1917-1919) in France during WWI, attaining the rank of Colonel in the Army Reserve.
Dwight David Eisenhower, 34th President
President Eisenhower graduated from West Point, served in the US Army (1915-1948), attaining the rank of General of the Army (5 stars) as Supreme Allied Commander in Europe during WWII. He was called back in 1951-1952, as Supreme Commander of NATO.
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