Summary

On November 4, 1944, at Boston Fenway’s Park FDR delivered what was to be his last political speech. He had only five months to live. He stood, disguising that his legs were crippled, before the cheering crowd and was poised to be elected to his fourth term in just a matter of days. FDR was a hero to the American public – he had led the recovery of the economy and rallied the country to fight the Axis powers after the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese. FDR’s health was failing but the cheering audience that would not sit down or quit their applause had no idea.

When finally allowed to speak over the roaring crowd, FDR’s voice was not that of a dying man it was strong and inspirational. He lauded the soldiers who were defending the nation and applauded their...