One of the greatest presidents in U.S. history didn’t stand on ceremony in Richmond… because he couldn’t.

On May 13, 1937 President Franklin Delano Roosevelt stopped briefly at the Richmond train depot. The president had just brought the nation through its worst depression. Within years he would lead the country into World War II when another generation of brave Americans would fight for liberty.

The wheelchair-bound man would become one of the most important Americans in history.

While in Richmond FDR hoisted his little granddaughter, Ruth, up to the window so she could wave to Richmond crowds. Although he could not stand without being assisted, he had kept the country upright during a time of great challenge, letting Americans know boldly from the start, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself!”

That was how he lived.

From his wheelchair he led the way.

In Richmond he held his little granddaughter upright… so she could wave.