Today is the birthday of Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962),
certainly one of America’s most consequential First Ladies and a significant
figure during the FDR years and after.
Sometimes known as “First Lady of the World,” Eleanor overcame personal
heartaches and insecurities to emerge a staunch supporter of human rights, at
home and abroad. Perhaps her greatest
contribution was her work at the United Nations, including the drafting of the
landmark Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Eleanor Roosevelt held strong views and could be
stubborn. She had an uneasy early relationship
with John F. Kennedy, somewhat related to her dim view of his father but also
because of his youth (relative to her), his unwillingness to take on Senator
Joseph McCarthy, and her longtime support for the presidential aspirations of
Adlai Stevenson. She once said to JFK in
a telegram (1959): “My dear boy I only
say these things for your own good.’’ The relationship latler improved.
When she died President Kennedy said, “One of
the great ladies in the history of this country has passed from the scene. Her loss will be deeply felt by all those who
admired her tireless idealism or benefited from her good works and wise
counsel.” He spoke for many Americans.
Photo from the National Archives.
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