riley had become very wealthy by the time he stopped touring in 1895 and was earning $1,000 a week. although he retired, he continued to make minor appearances. in 1896, riley performed four shows in denver. most of the performances of his later life were at civic celebrations. he was a regular speaker at decoration day events and delivered poetry before the unveiling of monuments in washington, d.c. newspapers began referring to him as the "national poet", "the poet laureate of america", and "the people's poet laureate". riley wrote many of his patriotic poems for such events, including "the soldier", "the name of old glory", and his most famous such poem, "america!". the 1902 poem "america, messiah of nations" was written and read by riley for the dedication of the indianapolis soldiers' and sailors' monument.