At the end of last week, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., introduced a resolution to mark the 125th anniversary of the Spanish-American War by having June 2nd as National Rough Riders Day.
“The 1st United States Volunteer Calvary, nicknamed the Rough Riders, was a Tampa-based regiment that fought valiantly to defend and protect the United States’ interests during the Spanish-American War,” Scott’s office noted.
The colorful regiment was led by Col. Leonard Wood, who went on to be the Army’s chief of staff and a candidate for the 1920 Republican nomination, and Lt. Col. Theodore Roosevelt who used the fame he won serving with the Rough Riders as a springboard to the governorship of New York, the vice presidency and the presidency.
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., is co-sponsoring the resolution. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, is also backing it.
“Florida has a proud history of military service and achievement, and I am honored to be joined by Senators Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz with this resolution honoring the service and sacrifice of the Rough Riders. While President Theodore Roosevelt’s leadership of this cavalry regiment has secured its place in history, it is my hope that this resolution designating June 2 as National Rough Riders Day will ensure that future generations learn the stories of the brave men who served under his command and honor those who gave their lives in service to our nation,” Scott said.
Scott’s resolution was sent to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee.
The resolution reads as follows:
Whereas the brief history of the 1st United States Volunteer Cavalry Regiment (referred to in this preamble as the “Rough Riders”) fighting to defend and protect the United States has made an indelible contribution to the history of the United States;
Whereas the Rough Riders were 1 of 3 volunteer cavalry regiments created by Congress on April 25, 1898, with Leonard Wood named Colonel of the regiment and Theodore Roosevelt named Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment;
Whereas although the volunteer cavalry regiments were initially to recruit from the Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Oklahoma Territories, the notoriety of the leaders of the Rough Riders inspired recruits from all portions of the United States to go to San Antonio, Texas, to enlist;
Whereas, the Army invasion fleet sailed on June 14 with the Rough Riders, and the 5th Corps landed at Daquiri, Cuba on June 22, 1898;
Whereas, on June 24, 1898, the Rough Riders, along with the 10th Unites States Cavalry Regiment (referred to in this preamble as the “Buffalo Soldiers”)—
(1) led the advance of the 5th Corps; and
(2) met, engaged, and caused the retreat, of Spanish forces at the Battle of Las Guasimas, while sustaining the first casualties of the Cuba campaign;
Whereas, on July 1, 1898, the Rough Riders, under the command of the future President Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt, led the charge at Kettle Hill and San Juan Hill, serving alongside the Buffalo Soldiers;
Whereas, despite the Rough Riders sustaining considerable losses, the Rough Riders participated in the siege of Santiago de Cuba and were present for the surrender of the enemy forces, which signaled the end of hostilities in Cuba;
Whereas, during the Cuba campaign, the courage and tenacity of the Rough Riders in battle resulted in—
(1) 2 officers and 21 enlisted killed in action; and
(2) 7 officers and 97 enlisted wounded in action;
…
Whereas from the formation of the Rough Riders to its disbandment, the Rough Riders suffered a 37 percent casualty rate during the Cuba campaign, the highest of any cavalry or infantry regiment in the Armed Forces;
…
Whereas the history and military achievements of the members of the Rough Riders, including their post-service contributions to the United States and their fight to defend the United States and liberate an oppressed people, warrant special expressions of the gratitude by the people of the United States; and
Whereas the decedents and beneficiaries of the achievements of the Rough Riders celebrate June 2, 2023, as the 125th Anniversary of the Rough Riders in the Spanish American War: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate—
(1) designates June 2, 2023, as “National Rough Rider Day”; and
(2) encourages the people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities
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