Vermont is a State I Love

President Coolidge ended a two-day inspection of Vermont’s 1927 flood recovery when his train arrived here about 7 p.m. Sept. 21, 1928. Five thousand people greeted Coolidge and his wife Grace with loud applause as they appeared on the rear coach platform. After quieting the crowd, he began, “Fellow Vermonters, for two days we have traveled through the state of Vermont...” He thanked Vermonters for their hospitality and great response to the flood, then, continuing without notes, declared his love for Vermont, praising its hills and valleys, scenery and invigorating climate, and above all its indomitable people, whom he called a race of pioneers who had almost beggared themselves to serve others. He said that if the spirit of liberty should vanish from other parts of the Union and support of its institutions should languish, it could be replenished from the generous store held by the people of Vermont. A reporter heard Coolidge’s voice quivering with emotion, the applause was lengthy, and Mrs. Coolidge asked whether reporters had written down the words lest they be lost. “Vermont is a State I Love” remained Coolidge’s best-known tribute to his native state.

Bennington, Vermont · United States