Lincoln in Lancaster County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

"America's Mission"

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., June 22, 2013

1. "America's Mission" Marker

Inscription.

On February 22, 1899, William Jennings Bryan gave one of the most renowned speeches in American History. The presentation, given in Washington, D.C., was entitle, "America's Mission". He spoke of purpose and direction and challenge, and proclaimed that Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice."

While the substance of his speech focused on issues that are not perhaps relevant today, the fundamental principles he outlined certainly ring true in any era; destiny is not a matter of chance, but of choice, for a nation, for a state, for a team, for a person.

- Chris W. Eskridge, Ph.D.
Professor of Criminal Justice
University of Nebraska

Erected by University of Nebraska - Linconln.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Government & Politics • Patriots & Patriotism. A significant historical date for this entry is February 22, 1899.

Location. 40° 49.31′ N, 96° 42.363′ W. Marker is in Lincoln, Nebraska, in Lancaster County. Marker is at the entrance to the Osborne Athletic Complex at Memorial Stadium, on the UNL campus. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Memorial Stadium, Lincoln NE 68588, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Osborne Athletic Complex (here, next to this

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marker); Mueller Tower at University of Nebraska-Lincoln (approx. 0.2 miles away); Pershing Rifles (approx. ¼ mile away); Mammuthus Columbi (approx. ¼ mile away); The University of Nebraska (approx. ¼ mile away); Hardy Building (approx. 0.4 miles away); Original Site of St. Paul Methodist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Lincoln's Founding Block (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lincoln.

Also see . . .
1. "America's Mission," by William Jennings Bryan. (Submitted on July 19, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. William Jennings Bryan, US Secretary of State. (Submitted on July 19, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., June 22, 2013

2. "America's Mission" Marker

To left of entrance. Note quote over doorway

Osborne Athletic Complex at Memorial Stadium image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., June 22, 2013

3. Osborne Athletic Complex at Memorial Stadium

Credits. This page was last revised on November 25, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 19, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 829 times since then and 85 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 19, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.