 The Sheridan memorial was dedicated on November 25 , 1908 . A large crowd was present with many dignitaries in attendance , including President Theodore Roosevelt , military officers , diplomats , and veterans of the Civil War and Spanish – American War . A processions of troops led by Brigadier General J. Franklin Bell paraded past the crowd and dignitaries while the United States Marine Band played music . Secretary of War Luke E. Wright presided over the dedication ceremony and Denis J. O 'Connell , rector of The Catholic University of America , delivered the invocation . Roosevelt , Brigadier General Horace Porter , and Wright gave eulogies of Sheridan . Roosevelt gave a short speech praising Sheridan 's valiant acts while Porter 's speech was an in depth review of Sheridan 's life , including his days at West Point and his campaigns during the Civil War and American Indian Wars . After Irene and Philip Jr. removed the covering of the statue , the crowd cheered loudly and many began to recite Thomas Buchanan Read 's poem , Sheridan 's Ride . 
