MAYA ANGELOU SUPPORT OF THE AMERICAN DISBALED VETERANS DISBALED FOR LIFE MEMORIAL

Dr. Maya Angelou is a remarkable Renaissance woman who is hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary literature. As a poet, educator, historian, best-selling author, actress, playwright, civil-rights activist, producer and director, she continues to travel the world, spreading her legendary wisdom.  Within the rhythm of her poetry and elegance of her prose lies Angelou's unique power to help readers of every orientation span the lines of race and Angelou captivates audiences through the vigor and sheer beauty of her words and lyrics.

Hello, my name is Maya Angelou. Let me tell you about the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, to be built in Washington, D.C.

Like you, I am glad that I live in a nation that promises freedom and equality for all. Certainly, as I've said in my writing, I know why the caged bird sings. I know our systems and our society are not perfect.

But I feel so grateful to live in a land that strives for perfection, and I'm proud of the people who defended that freedom with their lives and their limbs, their health and well-being.
Dr. Maya Angelou

I'm thankful - so very thankful - that someone cares so much for me that he or she is ready to sacrifice everything for my freedom. And they do stand ready, even today in Central Asia, in Korea, in the Middle East, all over the globe.

The caged bird still sings...even in this, the freest nation in the world. But the cause of freedom grows stronger and bolder day by day.

And why? Because men and women have sacrificed to make freedom a reality, here in the United States and all around the world! Because they have braved so much and come home to us sick and wounded, broken in mind and spirit.

Can we ever do enough to thank the veterans who have returned from battle to live out their lives, challenged day by day with disabilities? No, that is a debt too high for any payment. But we can, we must, express the gratitude of a nation and its people:

  • This is why the Disabled Veterans LIFE Memorial Foundation was established.
  • This is why Congress authorized construction of the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial.

The sacrifices of our disabled veterans will never end. Never! They will haunt the life of each disabled veteran until the day of his or her departure from this life for the next.

So often these men and women live out those haunted lives alone, unloved... feeling that no one appreciates the great gift they have given to all of us.

Their hearts are caged, yes. But they sing of the glory of a nation that strives toward perfection, a nation that treasures freedom.

These, these are our disabled veterans. We must honor their continuing sacrifice in defense of freedom. We must make sure they are always remembered. Always.

Please, join me in supporting the drive to build the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial...in our country's capital city, where our people and our leaders will see it every day.