Exploring the National Parks · Wednesday, August 5, 2026
John recounts a remarkable incident where Theodore Roosevelt, after being shot in the chest, insisted on delivering a planned campaign speech before seeking medical attention. The bullet's impact was slowed by his speech manuscript and a metal glasses case, allowing him to survive the potentially fatal injury.
“Theodore Roosevelt is both the man who was the inspiration for the teddy bear. And the man who refused to go to the hospital until after he gave a campaign speech. Despite the fact that he had just been shot in the chest with a gun.”
“So, it takes more than a bullet to kill a bull moose.”
“And it's so cool that he was so resilient.”