Featured Article: The Rough Riders will be in Temple Terrace 4th of July Parade

Accorsding to long-time community leader, Tom Mortenson, "The 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry Regiment – Rough Riders, Inc. is a Tampa-based nonprofit fraternal organization rooted in the proud legacy of Theodore Roosevelt's Rough Riders, the legendary volunteer cavalry regiment that rode to glory in the Spanish-American War of 1898. Headquartered in Ybor City at 601 N. 19th Street — just blocks from where many of the original Rough Riders mustered before shipping out to Cuba."

"The Tampa regiment is the keeper of one of Tampa's most remarkable collections of historical arand tifacts, memorabilia, and stories tied directly to that pivotal moment in American history," Mortenson said.

Temple Terrace will have two parade floats in the parade:  One will include a replica Trolley or Street Car,  a double-decked float named after Teddy's horse "Little Texas

The 1st U.S. Volunteer Regiment - Rough Riders, Inc. was founded in 1978 by Charlie Spicola in Tampa, Florida and the current President in 

The Rough Riders with over 600 members provide Honor Guard/Rifle Squad, presents U.S. Flag, fires salutes at dedications & civic events
Historic monument restoration and preservation, Speakers Bureau on Theodore Roosevelt, Spanish American War, Rough Riders
Rough Riders Museum at clubhouse holds historic artifacts, Restores Spanish American War monuments and cemeteries.

The group donates thousands of Teddy Bears which are collected locally and distributed annually to hospitals, children's and seniors programs.

Theyhelp run and support Olympic Track and Field, and Bowling for the Special Olympics, provide Roosevelt Elementary, support academic awards assemblies and Father’s club as well as Multi-level academic scholarship awards program.

Mortenson who advocated for the Rough Riders particpation as early as last year is hopeful that this becomes and annual feature of the Temple Terrace 4th of July parade.

Tom Mortenson is a member of the Rough Riders and numerous civic groups, including President of the Tampa Bay International Business Council (TBIBC).