Memorials: What Becomes a Legend Most: F.D.R., True to Life

After a struggle of nearly 60 years, a bronze life-size statue of FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT in his wheelchair will be dedicated in Washington by PRESIDENT CLINTON this week. Roosevelt, who never took an unaided step after his polio attack in 1921, directed the war against the Great Depression and the Axis powers from a wheelchair, but most were not aware of his disability: he obscured it, fearful of electoral disapproval. Only two photographs of him in a wheelchair exist. Red tape and partisan wrangling stymied the memorial until five years ago, but then the arguments within the Roosevelt family and Congress...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!