TRIBUTE TO JESSIE BROWN

On August 15, 2002 the world lost a great man and a true hero, Jesse Brown. As I delivered the eulogy for my dear friend, I promised I would not stand beside his grave and weep, for Jesse's legacy is something that should be celebrated.

A United States Marine, wounded during combat in Vietnam in 1965, Jesse lost the use of his right arm. Rather than become despondent over his injury, he returned home undeterred by his disability and on a mission to help other disabled veterans.

A great person is said to be one who overcomes adversity. An even greater person inspires others to do the same. Jesse was for me and for millions of other Americans that greater person, that inspiration.

The LIFE Foundation's "Presidential Unsung Hero Award" is given annually to an outstanding American Veteran. Two years ago this award was presented to Jesse because he embodied that message of inspiration that says to all disabled veterans, "If I can do it, you can do it, too."

With our very first conversation, during which Jesse joined me without hesitation in my quest to create a national monument for disabled veterans Washington, a profound friendship began. It was a friendship which changed my life. Jesse arranged a partnership between the LIFE Foundation and the Disabled American Veterans and together we have fought the fight, along with Jesse's tireless efforts, to erect the very first memorial to America's disabled veterans.

Jesse Brown & Lois Pope

Jesse was instrumental in obtaining congressional legislation authoring the construction of the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, in full view of the United States Capital. It will honor our country's 2.3 million living disabled veterans, as well as commemorate the sacrifices of all disabled veterans throughout history. Jesse's spirit will be its cornerstone.

Jesse once said to me that his devotion to America's veterans was not his profession - it was his life.

Let us think of Jesse and dedicate our efforts to aid disabled veterans in memory of this noble man. It is the reason that we should not stand at Jesse's grave and weep for he truly is not there, but rather in the lives of the millions of veterans he has helped and protected.

Jesse's legacy and love will go on and on.