The simplicity of this 1.25" button belies its importance as an historic artifact. The button is without backpaper as issued and reads in full "Home Coming Celebration/200,000/League/1909/Norfolk, Va." The button is clean and Exc. and one of only two examples we've seen. On Dec. 16, 1907 by the order of President Roosevelt sixteen battleships left Hampton Roads (Norfolk) for a round the world journey with each of these vessels traveling about 43,000 miles for a total of 688,000 miles which is the equivalent to of the "200000 League" specified on the button. Roosevelt was there for the departure ceremonies aboard the presidential yacht Mayflower. Speaking to Secretary of the Navy Victor Metcalf he is quoted as saying "By George! Did You Ever See Such A Fleet And Such A Day?" Having been there for the departure he returned Feb. 22, 1909 for the fleet's return. He stood for the last time as Commander-in-Chief on the bridge of the Mayflower. Eventually, through the rain and fog he saw with his poor eyesight what others has seen earlier and shouted "Here They Are." As the fleet came into fuller view he proclaimed "That Is The Answer To My Critics...Another Chapter Is Complete, And I Could Not Ask A Finer Concluding Scene For My Administrations."