FDR Four Freedoms Park

Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park is located on Roosevelt Island in New York City. The park, designed by architect Louis I. Kahn, is free to the public. Some speeches are so iconic that we quote them years after they were first given... and other speeches are so iconic that they get memorial parks built in their honor. It doesn't happen often, but it should come as no surprise that Franklin Delano Roosevelt is one of the lucky men who has given a speech that's that memorable. His State of the Union address in 1941, known as his "Four Freedoms" speech, is considered one of his most notable... and it couldn't have come at a better time: America knew the world was at war, and later on that year, the US would join the fight after Pearl Harbor was bombed. The best way to experience the park is to come across the Queensboro Bridge and walk south: a double row of trees frames a picture-perfect view of the city skyline (particularly the United Nations Headquarters , which Roosevelt helped found). As you walk through the 4-acre park, you'll see lush greenery and peaceful views until you reach the granite plaza. It's meant to feel like a room, or a Greek temple, that doesn't have a roof: you'll find a massive bust of FDR and quotes from the speech carved into the walls. Of course, it's all meant to facilitate thought and reflection on one of the country's greatest presidents, and as you take in the utterly impressive view of New York, you can't help but think about the freedom and beauty of the city. The park is operated in partnership with the Four Freedoms Park Conservancy and offers visitors a free interactive digital educational resource, accessible on any mobile device.