Near this site on August 8, 1934, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, on behalf of the American Legion, dedicated a bronze plaque to Doctors William James Mayo and Charles Horace Mayo. Speaking before 75,000 people, he honored “Dr. Will” and “Dr. Charlie” by extending the nation’s thanks for their lifelong service. The plaque also cited them “for distinguished services to our sick and disabled comrades and to suffering humanity.” Present for the ceremonies were American Legion National Commander Edward A. Hayes, United States Secretary of War George H. Dern, the governors of Iowa, Wisconsin, South Dakota, and Minnesota, and many other prominent citizens.