1999 Mount Rushmore International Writing Contest Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln: Presidents with Visions for America If they could speak today, what might they say?

Sixth Grade Winner
Shannon M. Foster
St. Mary's School, Natchitoches, Louisianna
Carole Vienne, Teacher, 6th Grade Social Studies

Mount Rushmore

Faces carved in Mount Rushmore's side
In our nation instills burning pride.
They guard the country still today
If they were living what would they say?

George Washington was proud and brave
The way to freedom he did pave.
"My skill was great. For justice I thirst
Of all the presidents I was the first."

Abraham Lincoln was mighty and strong,
Though his second term was not long.
"I wanted freedom and rights for all
And, in the war, watched countrymen fall."

Thomas Jefferson could write quite well,
And through his pen had much to tell.
"I wrote to assure our nation's ascendance,
The Declaration of Independence."

Teddy Roosevelt watched our strength increase,
And won a noble prize for peace.
"In my days I urged preservation,
And am known for resource conservation."

So, the great Mount Rushmore, you see,
Is more than a mountain, proud as can be.
But a sign of the past and it's unyielding grace,
Holding forever a valuable place.

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