One of the most important freedoms we have in America is the right to free speech. During World War II, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) declared four essential freedoms that all individuals should have access to in his 1941 State of the Union address. These four freedoms laid the groundwork for growing American democracy and are commemorated at the FDR Four Freedoms Park on New York’s Roosevelt Island.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
The Purpose of FDR Four Freedoms Park
Located at the southern tip of Roosevelt Island, FDR Four Freedoms Park is a place where people can come together to reflect on freedom and celebrate our nation’s past.
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Designed by architect Louis Kahn, its centerpiece is a granite monument containing inscriptions from FDR’s original speech about freedom. It stands as a reminder of what it means to be an American, and how our country has evolved since then.
The park also serves as an educational hub for children and adults alike. There are interactive exhibits and activities that help visitors better understand the park’s message.
How You Can Visit
FDR Four Freedoms Park is open year-round with extended hours during summer months. Admission is free and visitors can explore the grounds via walking trails or take part in one of the many events hosted by park staff throughout the year.
Visit the Most Serene Tribute to Human Rights
FDR Four Freedoms Park is more than just an outdoor space. It’s a living testament to our nation’s commitment to democracy and free speech.
As you stroll through this beautiful park, reflect on how far our country has come since 1941—and how far we still have left to go—to ensure that every U.S. citizen enjoys these basic human rights enshrined in law so long ago by President Roosevelt.
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