Donald Trump Donates 1 Million Dollars to Hurricane Harvey Relief

Donald Trump

Pol Light Moment #157 occurred on August 31, 2017 , when Donald Trump announced he would personally give $1 million of his personal funds to charitable organizations that were helping with the recovery of Hurricane Harvey. Donald Trump is the 45th and current President of the United States, serving from 2017 to the present.

Hurricane Harvey was a Major Category 4 Hurricane that ocurred between August 17, 2017-September 3, 2017. It did major damage to the Texas and Louisiana in the United States, including the large city of Houston, Texas.


On September 7, 2017, the names of the 12 charities designated to receive part of Donald Trump's $1 million were released. They included:

Red Cross - $300,000

Salvation Army - $300,000

Reach Out America - $100,000

Samaritan's Purse - $100,000

ASPCA - $25,000

Catholic Charities - $25,000

Direct Relief - $25,000

Habitat for Humanity - $25,000

Houston Humane Society - $25,000

Operation Blessing - $25,000

Portlight Inclusive Disaster Strategies - $25,000

Team Rubicon -  $25,000 

(Source: NBC News)

Donald Trump has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view other posts search the blog with the label Donald Trump.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo in this post of Donald Trump is in the Public Domain.

Donald Trump Presides Over Lighting of National Christmas Tree

Donald Trump

Pol Light Moment #156 occurred on November 30, 2017, when Donald Trump presided over the annual lighting of the national Christmas tree. Donald Trump is the 45th and current President of the United States, serving from 2017 to the present.


The tradition of Presidents presiding over the lighting of the National Christmas tree in Washington DC began in 1923 with Calvin Coolidge. Here is the full text of the speech Donald Trump gave at the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in 2017.

Today's the day that I've been looking very much forward to all year long. It's one that we have heard and we speak about and we dream about and now as the President of the United States, it's my tremendous honor to finally wish America and the world a very Merry Christmas.

I want to thank everyone who has come together here right in front of the White House, that beautiful, beautiful White House, and everyone watching from home to see the lighting of this incredible national Christmas tree.

For nearly a century, through good times and bad, every president has taken part in this wonderful tradition, first started by President Coolidge. But I was informed tonight that the weather we have is the best it's been in 25 years. In fact, I said, ‘Is it always like this?’ And the secretary said, ‘Hasn't been like this for a long time.’ So, we are very lucky.

Finally, in 1870, President Ulysses S. Grant signed legislation making Christmas a Federal holiday. And I sort of feel we are doing that again. That’s what's happening.

From the earliest days of our nations, Americans have known Christmas as a time for prayer and worship, for gratitude and good will, for peace and renewal.

Melania and I are full of joy at the start of this very blessed season. We're thrilled to think of the people across the nation and all across the continent whose spirits are lifted by the miracle of Christmas.

For Christians, this is a Holy season – the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Christmas story begins 2000 years ago with a mother, a father, their baby son, and the most extraordinary gift of all, the gift of God's love for all of humanity.

Whatever our beliefs, we know that the birth of Jesus Christ and the story of this incredible life forever changed the course of human history. There’s hardly an aspect of our lives today that his life has not touched: art, music, culture, law, and our respect for the sacred dignity of every person everywhere in the world.

Each and every year at Christmas time we recognize that the real spirit of Christmas is not what we have, it's about who we are – each one of us is a child of God.

That is the true source of joy this time of the year.

That is what makes every Christmas ‘merry.’  

And that is what we remember at today's beautiful ceremony, that we are called to serve one another, to love one another, and to pursue peace in our hearts and all throughout the world.

And so tonight, I thank the millions of Americans who light our lives and brighten our wonderful communities. I thank those who are serving the needy during the season and throughout the year. I thank our military men and women who are stationed around the world keeping us safe.

I thank our law enforcement officers who protect our streets and secure our homeland. I thank America's teachers, pastors, and all those religious, and those people that have taught us so much, for their leadership in our communities and our society.

And, especially tonight, I thank America's families. At Christmas, we are reminded more than ever that the family is the bedrock of American life.

And so, this Christmas we ask for God’s blessings for our family, for our nation. And we pray that our country will be a place where every child knows a home filled with love, a community rich with hope, and a nation blest with faith.

On behalf of Melania, myself, Barron, all of my children, all of my grandchildren — they're here with us tonight — I want to thank you.

God bless you and God bless the United States of America. Thank you very much.

Merry Christmas everybody. Merry Christmas. Happy new year. Thank you.

Donald Trump has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view other posts search the blog with the label Donald Trump.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo in this post of Donald Trump is in the Public Domain.

Donald Trump Sends His Private Jet to Transport Sick Boy Across Country

Donald Trump

Pol Light Moment #148 occurred on July 20, 1988, when Donald Trump sent his private jet to transport 3 year old Andrew Ten across the United States to receive medical care. Donald Trump is the 45th and current President of the United States, serving from 2017 to the present.

Andrew Ten was 3 years old in 1988 and he needed to travel from Los Angeles to New York for medical help. The little boy was refused passage on commercial airlines because of the complex life-support system he needed, such as an oxygen tank, suction machine, and breathing bag. Three nurses also traveled with him.

When Rabbi Harold Ten, and his wife Judy, contacted Donald Trump about their son's need, Trump offered his private Boeing 727 to transport Andrew from Los Angeles to New York. The Jewish Telegraphic Agency has more information in their archives on this event from 1988 (Orthodox Jew with Rare Ailment is Rescued Aboard Tycoon's Jet, July 20, 1988).

Sadly Andrew Ten passed away in 2008, ten years after this event. His parents sponsored Camp Avraham Moshe for Jewish teens and young adults with special needs in his honor (Times of Israel, July 20, 2015).

Donald Trump has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view other posts search the blog with the label Donald Trump.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo in this post of Donald Trump is in the Public Domain.

Jacqueline Kennedy Gives First Television Interview

Jacqueline Kennedy

Pol Light Moment #147 occurred on March 24, 1961, when Jacqueline Kennedy gave her first television interview after becoming the First Lady. The interview was done with Sander Vanocur of NBC News. Jacqueline Kennedy was the First Lady of the United States from 1961-1963.

During the interview Jacqueline Kennedy discussed her plans to bring a sense of history back to the White House. The interview also spent time focusing on how Jacqueline Kennedy would raise two young children in the White House. It had been many years since their had been young children in the White House.

The following is a video of this interview with Jacqueline Kennedy and Sander Vanocur.

Jacqueline Kennedy has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view other posts search with the label Jacqueline Kennedy. For more information on Jacqueline Kennedy visit her page on the website of the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

Photo: The photo of Jacqueline Kennedy is in the Public Domain.

Clinton and Trump at 2016 Al Smith Dinner

Pol Light Moment #144 occurred on October 20, 2016, when the two people running for President of the United States shared the stage to support Catholic charities and disadvantaged children. Secretary Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump were joint keynote speakers at the 71st Annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner in New York, held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Alfred E. Smith was a former Governor of New York, who was the first Catholic Presidential candidate (Wikipedia Page: Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner). The 2016 rendition of this longstanding dinner raised about $6 million for Catholic charities (CBSNews.com, October 21, 2016).

You can listen to the humor and wit of the evening by hearing the address of both keynote speakers who took time out of their busy campaign to spend and evening for charity.

Hillary Clinton's Address

Donald Trump's Address

More information about the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner can be found at http://www.alsmithfoundation.org/thedinner.html#about. For other posts on Hillary Clinton search with the "Hillary Clinton" label at Pol Light. For other posts on Donald Trump search with the "Donald Trump" label at Pol Light.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

Andrew Cuomo Helps Driver Stranded in Snow

Pol Light Moment #136 occurred on January 23, 2016, when Andrew Cuomo helped a driver who was stranded in a snowstorm on Long Island in New York. Andrew Cuomo has served as the Governor of New York since 2011.

From January 22-24, 2016 a blizzard hit the Northeast United States dropping up to 3 feet of snow in some areas (Wikipedia: January 2016 United States Blizzard). New York state experienced much of the storm. On January 23, 2016, Andrew Cuomo personally helped rescue a driver who was stranded on the roads in Long Island (ABC News, New York Governor Cuomo Helps Long Island Driver Stranded in Snow, Emily Shapiro, January 23, 2016).

On Cross Island Parkway assisting a stranded driver #Blizzard2016 pic.twitter.com/ydU4KMcp4U

— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) January 23, 2016

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

Mario Cuomo Signs Nation's First Seat Belt Law

Mario Cuomo (Kenneth C. Zirkel/1987)

Pol Light Moment #130 occurred on July 12, 1984, when Mario Cuomo (1932-2015) signed the nation's first seat belt law for the State of New York.  Mario Cuomo served as the Governor of New York from 1983-1994.

The seat belt law that Mario Cuomo signed on July 12, 1984, took effect on December 1, 1984. It required that all front seat passengers in vehicles operating in the State of New York wear a seat belt and that children under 10 year of age also wear a seat belt. The fine when the bill was established was set at $50 (Schenectady Gazette, Cuomo Signs Nation's First Seat Belt Law, Gary Langer, July 13, 1984).

Devin Tobin with the New York Public Research Institute called the law, "the most significant highway measure ever adopted by a state government (Schenectady Gazette, Cuomo Signs Nation's First Seat Belt Law, Gary Langer, July 13, 1984)."

Ironically on July 11, 1984, a day before Mario Cuomo signed the seat belt law, he was involved in a 7 car crash which he survived without injury.  He was wearing a seat belt during the accident (Schenectady Gazette, Governor Unhurt After 7-Car Crash; Seat Belt in Place, Jul 12, 1984).


Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Mario Cuomo is in the Creative Commons of Wikipedia and is attributed to Kenneth C. Zirkel.

Franklin Roosevelt's Sullivan Letter

Pol Light Moment #107 is when Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) wrote a letter to Mrs. Sullivan on January 13, 1943. Mrs. Sullivan was the mother who lost all five of her sons in World War II because the cruiser they were all on was destroyed in war. Franklin D. Roosevelt was the 32nd President of the United States and served from 1933 until his death in 1945. Franklin D. Roosevelt also served as the Governor of New York from 1929-1932.

The five sons of Mrs. Sullivan requested to be stationed on the same Navy ship. They were killed on Nov. 15, 1942 during World War II when their ship the Juneau was attacked off Guadalcanal and sunk during the Battle of Solomon Islands (American Presidents History).

The following was the contents of the letter dated January 13, 1943, that Franklin Roosevelt wrote to Mrs. Sullivan.

Dear Mrs. Sullivan:

The knowledge that your five gallant sons are missing in action, against the enemy, inspired me to write you this personal message, I realize full well there is little I can say to assuage your grief.

As the Commander in Chief of the Army and the Navy, I want you to know that the entire nation shares your sorrow. I offer you the condolence and gratitude of our country. We, who remain to carry on the fight, must maintain the spirit in the knowledge that such sacrifice is not in vain. The Navy Department has informed me of the expressed desire of your son; George Thomas, Francis Henry, Joseph Eugene, Madison Abel, and Albert Leo, to serve on the same ship. I am sure, that we all take pride in the knowledge that they fought side by side.As one of your sons wrote, 'We will make a team together that can't be beat.' It is this spirit which in the end must triumph.  

Last March, you Mrs. Sullivan, were designated to sponsor a ship of the Navy in recognition of your patriotism and that of your sons. I am to understand that you are, now even more determined to carry on as sponsor. This evidence of unselfishness and courage serves as a real inspiration for me, as I am sure it will for all Americans. Such acts of fate and fortitude in the face of tragedy convince me of the indomitable spirit and will of our people. 

 I send you my deepest sympathy in your hour of trial and pray that in Almighty God you will find a comfort and help that only he can bring. 

Very Sincerely Yours,

Franklin Roosevelt 

(Source of Letter: American Presidents History). 

Franklin D. Roosevelt has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all Franklin Roosevelt posts search with Franklin Roosevelt label at Pol Light.
Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.
Photo: The photo in this post is in the Public Domain. It was obtained from Wikipedia.

Franklin Roosevelt Supports Boy Scouts of America's First Jamboree

Pol Light Moment #99 is when Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) gave his Presidential support to the Boy Scouts of America having their first Jamboree on June 30, 1937.  Roosevelt himself had been a Boy Scout.  Franklin D. Roosevelt was the 32nd President of the United States and served from 1933 until his death in 1945. Franklin D. Roosevelt also served as the Governor of New York from 1929-1932.

The National Scout Jamboree is held every four years for ten days in the Summer. Scouting Magazine featured an article detailing the tremendous support Franklin Roosevelt gave the Boy Scouts of America as they held their first jamboree on June 30, 1937.

On June 30, 1937, the jamboree opened. Scouts were greeted at their campsites with copies of the Jamboree Journal, a photograph of FDR on page one. The president’s message of greeting praised Scouting as a great source of training in the virtues of good citizenship. 

FDR gave his personal attention to the huge gathering. After taking 12 Eagle Scouts to baseball’s annual major-league all-star game, he toured the jamboree site. Accompanied by James West and National Scout Commissioner Dan Beard, he stopped at the Sea Scouts’ camp and then visited the Scouts from Duchess County, N.Y., whose construction of a large replica of the Roosevelt family home at Hyde Park, N.Y., attracted his attention. 

The president, from his touring car, awarded an Eagle badge, spoke with leaders, examined some handicrafts, and posed for photographs. As his car moved out of the jamboree site, many Scouts swarmed around it, seeking a look at the president (Scouting Magazine, March, 2003, A Best Friend in the White House).

Franklin D. Roosevelt has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all Franklin Roosevelt posts search with Franklin Roosevelt label at Pol Light.
Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.
Photo: The photo in this post is in the Public Domain. It was obtained from Wikipedia.

Elise Stefanik Becomes Youngest Woman Ever Elected to Congress

Pol Light Moment #94 happened on November 4, 2014, when Elise Stefanik was elected to the U.S. Congress to represent New York's 21st Congressional District. Elise Stefanik became the youngest woman ever elected to Congress at age 30. She was born on July 2, 1984, and she secured the primary nomination to represent her party at age 29.

The following is Elise Stefanik giving her acceptance speech the night of November 4, 2014.

Prior to the election of Elise Stefanik, former Brooklyn Representative Elizabeth Holtzman held the record for the youngest woman to serve in Congress. Holtzman was elected in 1973 at age 31 and she continued to check each election cycle to see if a younger woman was in a position to break her record. Elizabeth Holtzman said about Elisie Stafanik's campaign, "But hats off to her. We need more young women in Congress (New York Post, November 3, 2014)."

You can read some more information on Elise Stefanik's election to Congress at these links.

• Meet the Youngest Woman Ever Elected to Congress
• Elise Stefanik Makes History at Midterms

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

Hillary Clinton Comforts Military Families Who Have Lost Loved Ones

Pol Light Moment #75 took place on October 1, 2014, when Hillary Clinton spoke in New York at an event for TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) and comforted military families who had lost loved ones. Hillary Clinton was speaking at the event because she received the Lifetime Service Award from the group. Hillary Clinton served as the First Lady from 1993-2001, when her husband Bill Clinton was President. She has also served as a U.S. Senator from New York and Secretary of State.

Hillary Clinton had the opportunity to listen to the stories of the surviving family members of United States military and during her speech she said,

At a time when sometimes we seem divided and people seem to be arguing all the time we really have to take stock of how blessed we are and grateful for the men and women who serve us and be thankful that we have through all of our ups and downs and our challenges continues to stand for the values that unite us: freedom and democracy and opportunity and by supporting you all who will serve in the future--Hillary Clinton (ABC News, October 1, 2014).

More Information: You can read more information about Hillary Clinton comforting military families who have lost loved ones at these links.

• Hillary Clinton Comforts Military Families Who've Lost Loved Ones
• Hillary Clinton "emotional" at event for families of fallen military
• Military kin support group honors Hillary Clinton

Hillary Clinton has been featured in other Pol Light moments and can be found by searching this blog with the Hillary Clinton Label.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Hillary Clinton is in the Public Domain.

John F. Kennedy Pushes Physical Fitness Initiative

Pol Light Moment #72 is when John F. Kennedy announced his U.S. Physical Fitness Program for young people on July 19, 1961, and called for its promotion to public schools as an initiative for the 1961-1962 academic year.  John F. Kennedy was the 35th President of the United States, serving from 1961-1963.

The entire text of John F. Kennedy's speech on the U.S. Physical Fitness Program can be found on The American Presidency Project Website.

In his speech, John F. Kennedy said, "To members of school boards, school administrators, teachers, the pupils themselves, and their parents, I am directing this urgent call to strengthen all programs which contribute to the physical fitness of our youth (The American Presidency Project Website)."

There is more information on Kennedy's physical fitness initiatives on the John F. Kenndy Presidential Library and Museum Website. John F. Kennedy has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all John F. Kennedy posts search with John F. Kennedy label at Pol Light.

Quote Light: John F. Kennedy has a page on the Quote Light blog.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

Photo: The image of the cover of the U.S. Physical Fitness Program was obtained from the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum Website and is used here for informational purposes only.

Robert Kennedy Delivers News of MLK Assassination

Pol Light Moment #62 occurred on April 4, 1968, when Robert F. Kennedy delivered news of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. in a speech given in Indianapolis, Indiana. Robert F. Kennedy served as the Attorney General of the United States from 1961-1964 and he then served as a United States Senator from New York from 1965 until his own death by assassination on June 6, 1968.
When Robert Kennedy gave this speech he was campaigning for President of the United States. The speech that Kennedy was set to give in the inner city of Indianapolis on April 4, 1968, was changed very quickly after Kennedy learned of the news of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s death that afternoon. His speech has been widely recognized as a great success and even though unrest occurred in many major cities after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., there was no violence in Indianapolis, where the speech was delivered. 
The following is a recorded video of Robert F. Kennedy's speech on April 4, 1968.

One of the memorable parts of the speech that Robert F. Kennedy gave that preceded applause was this:

What we need in the United States is not division; what we need in the United States is not hatred; what we need in the United States is not violence and lawlessness, but love and wisdom, and compassion toward one another, and a feeling of justice toward those who still suffer within our country, whether they be white or whether they be black (Robert F. Kennedy Speech at www.historyplace.com).

The following is a video from Podium about the speech that Robert F. Kennedy gave on April 4, 1968.

  You can read the full text of this speech at The History Place website. 
Robert F. Kennedy has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all Robert Kennedy posts search with the label Robert Kennedy at Pol Light blog.  Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.
The photo of Robert F. Kennedy with Martin Luther King, Jr in this post is in the Public Domain.

Franklin Roosevelt Founds March of Dimes

Pol Light Moment #50 is when Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) founded the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis on January 3, 1938. Roosevelt later renamed it the March of Dimes Foundation. Franklin D. Roosevelt was the 32nd President of the United States and served from 1933 until his death in 1945. Franklin D. Roosevelt also served as the Governor of New York from 1929-1932.

At age 39, Franklin Roosevelt was stricken with Polio and unable to walk again. His passion for the March of Dimes reflected his desire to help give a boost of care and research to help there be more healthy babies and mothers in the country. Over the years the March of Dimes has focused it's energies on healthy pregnancy and premature babies.

The organization started with donations from wealthy friends of Franklin Roosevelt giving in his honor, but the name March of Dimes has it's roots in the need to involve the general public in more funding for the organization.

In 1938, Roosevelt decided to appeal to the general public for help. At one fundraiser, celebrity Eddie Cantor jokingly urged the public to send dimes to the president, coining the term March of Dimes. The public took his appeal seriously, flooding the White House with 2,680,000 dimes and thousands of dollars in donations (Source).

The following is a news feature for the 75th Anniversary of the March of Dimes that shares Franklin Roosevelt's important role in founding the organization.



Franklin D. Roosevelt has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all Franklin Roosevelt posts search with Franklin Roosevelt label at Pol Light. Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.
Photo: The photo in this post is in the Public Domain. It was obtained from Wikipedia.

Hillary Clinton Supports Child Survival in Congo

Pol Light Moment #49 took place on June 14, 2012, when Hillary Clinton supported a fundraiser for Ben Affleck's Eastern Congo Initiative. The charity event was held at Georgetown University and was called 'Call to Action: Child Survival'. Hillary Clinton served as the First Lady from 1993-2001, when her husband Bill Clinton was President. She has also served as a U.S. Senator from New York and Secretary of State under President Barack Obama.

The Eastern Congo Initiative has as it's goal to assure that all children are able to live until their 5th birthday (Source).  Here is a video from the 'Call to Action: Child Survival' event on June 14, 2012.


Hillary Clinton said at the event as noted in the above video, "This year more than 7 million children will die from preventable causes before they reach their 5th birthday. Saving children's lives can not be just a job for governments. So we are all here today with one vision to make sure every child everywhere lives to see his or her 5th birthday."

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Hillary Clinton is in the Public Domain.

John F. Kennedy's 'Moon' Speech

Pol Light Moment #47 is when John F. Kennedy set high goals of Space exploration for the United States and gave his 'Moon' speech at Rice University on September 12, 1962. John F. Kennedy was the 35th President of the United States, serving from 1961-1963.

Here is video footage of the speech that John F. Kennedy gave on his goals for the United States' Space program at Rice Stadium. You can also read the text of it here.

One of the noteworthy lines that Kennedy said in the speech was,

We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too.

John F. Kennedy has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all John F. Kennedy posts search with John F. Kennedy label at Pol Light.

Quote Light: John F. Kennedy has a page on the Quote Light blog.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of John F. Kennedy is in the Public Domain.

Eleanor Roosevelt Offers to Help Harry Truman

Pol Light Moment #28 occurred on April 12, 1945, when Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) offered to help President Harry Truman after she told him that her husband, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, had died. Eleanor Roosevelt was First Lady of the United States from 1933-1945. She served longer than any other First Lady in the history of the United States. Harry Truman was the 33rd President of the United States, serving from 1945-1953.

Harry Truman was asked to come to the White House in the evening of April 12, 1945, after Franklin Roosevelt passed away.  Upon arriving at the White House, Truman was sent to Eleanor Roosevelt's study on the second floor of the White House to receive the news from President Roosevelt's widow.  

Eleanor Roosevelt put her arm across Harry Truman's shoulders and said, "Harry, the President is dead."

Harry then asked Mrs. Roosevelt, "Is there anything I can do for you?"

Although she had just lost her husband, Eleanor Roosevelt replied back to Harry Truman, "Is there anything we can do for you? For you are the one in trouble now (New York Times On this Day Obituary)."

Harry Truman has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all Harry Truman posts search with Harry Truman label at Pol Light. Also, Harry Truman's grand son was featured in the Pol Light post Clifton Truman Daniel Visits Japan.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Eleanor Roosevelt is in the Public Domain.

Jacqueline Kennedy Thanks Country for Sympathy Cards

Pol Light Moment #23 occurred on January 14, 1964, when Jacqueline Kennedy thanked the United States for the overwhelming number of sympathy cards she received after her husband John F. Kennedy was killed. Jacqueline Kennedy was the First Lady, while her husband John F. Kennedy was the 35th President of the United States from 1961-1963.

On November 21, 1963, John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. The country mourned the loss of a President and Jacqueline Kennedy and her two children John, Jr. and Caroline received their sympathy.

The following is a video from January 14, 1964, when Jacqueline Kennedy thanked the American people for their cards and thoughts. At the time this was recorded over 800,000 had been received, but eventually 2.5 million letters would be received.


People who sent cards to Jacqueline Kennedy received a small card back that said, "Mrs. Kennedy is deeply appreciative of your sympathy and grateful for your thoughfulness (Source)."

In 2010, Ellen Fitzpatrick published a book called Letters to Jackie: Condolences from a Grieving Nation, where she shared 200 of the 2.5 million letters.  Here is a news story on the release of this book.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Jacqueline Kennedy has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view other posts search with the label Jacqueline Kennedy. For more information on Jacqueline Kennedy visit her page on the website of the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

Photo: The photo of Jacqueline Kennedy is in the Public Domain.

Theodore Roosevelt Inspires the Teddy Bear

Pol Light Moment #20 is when Theodore Roosevelt's Mississippi hunting trip in November, 1902 inspired the teddy bear. Theodore Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States, serving from 1901-1909.

On November 14, 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt was on a bear hunting trip near Onward, Mississippi with several other people. To his disappointment Roosevelt had been unable to kill a bear for the first 3 days of the trip, so his aides, including the guide Holt Collier, captured a weak and old black bear and tied it to a tree for Roosevelt to easily kill. Theodore Roosevelt refused to shoot the defenseless bear as part of the sport hunt, but because the bear was injured he directed that someone else shoot the bear and put it out of it's misery (Source).

The incident of Theodore Roosevelt refusing to shoot a bear that was tied to a tree spawned the idea for a cartoon, which influenced the development of a toy known to this day as the teddy bear. The following is the cartoon of this moment that was done by Clifford Kennedy Berryman and was published in the Washington Post on November 16, 1902. Morris Michtom saw the cartoon and created a toy bear called "Teddy's Bear". The toy was so widely popular that it led Morris Michtom to start the Ideal Toy and Novelty Company in 1903 (Source).

This video explains the story of Theodore Roosevelt inspiring the Teddy Bear.




For more information on Theodore Roosevelt inspiring the Teddy Bear visit the Kids Corner at Theodore Roosevelt Association.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

Photos: The photo at the top of this post of Theodore Roosevelt is in the Public Domain. The cartoon of Teddy Roosevelt's hunting trip that inspired the Teddy Bear is also in the Public Domain.

Charles Schumer Helps Reunite Marine with Dog

Charles Schumer

Pol Moment #18 culminated in March, 2012, when Charles Schumer helped reunite a retired marine with the dog she served with in Iraq. Charles Schumer has served in the United States Senate from 1998 to present, representing the state of New York.

Corporal Megan Leavy retired in 2007 and began a process to adopt the dog known as Sgt. Rex, that she had worked with on two tours of duty in Iraq.  The military denied Corporal Leavy's request and instead decided to keep Sgt. Rex in military service. Corporal Leavy continued to fight through redtape for five years to adopt Sgt. Rex, becoming very vocal over the years and enlisting the help of Senator Charles Schumer. Sgt. Rex's life depended on it, because after retirement the military considers old dogs as "excess", and they are sometimes euthanized.

Charles Schumer pressed the Air Force to help expedite an adoption of Sgt. Rex by Corporal Megan Leavy. An online petition was created by Charles Schumer's office that gained over 20,000 signatures. In 2012 Corporal Megan Leavy was finally reunited with Sgt. Rex, who is now 11 years of age. Here is a video of this story.




Charles Schumer said this in a press release on March 20, 2012 about the story.

We salute the Air Force and the Marines for doing the right thing and allowing Rex to be with Corporal Leavey. One canine, one human, both heroes. They should be united shortly and we’re glad it’s happening. I can think of no better ending to a story that inspired a nation than to see Sgt. Rex come home to his best friend. While millions of dog lovers across the country have a deep bond with their ‘best friend’, the bond forged between Corporal Leavey and Sgt. Rex is one that few of us will ever know. It’s only appropriate and right that the two of them enjoy their retirement from the service together. I again want to thank the Air Force and Marines for moving so quickly and I want to thank the thousands of New Yorkers and Americans who showed their support online (Source).

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.


Photo: The photo of Charles Schumer is in the Public Domain.