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1925 International Convention, Cedar Point, Ohio USA June 30, 1925 |
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Dear
Lions and Ladies:
I suppose you have heard the legend that represents opportunity as a
capricious lady, who knocks at every door but once, and if the door
isn't opened quickly, she passes on, never to return. And that is as it
should be. Lovely, desirable ladies won't wait. You have to go out and
grab 'em.
I am your opportunity. I am knocking at your door. I want to be
adopted. The legend doesn't say what you are to do when several
beautiful opportunities present themselves at the same door. I guess you
have to choose the one you love best. I hope you will adopt me. I am the
youngest here, and what I offer you is full of splendid opportunities
for service. |
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The American Foundation for the Blind is only four years old. It
grew out of the imperative needs of the blind, and was called into
existence by the sightless themselves. It is national and
international in scope and in importance. It represents the best and
most enlightened thought on our subject that has been reached so
far. Its object is to make the lives of the blind more worthwhile
everywhere by increasing their economic value and giving them the
joy of normal activity. Try to imagine how you would feel if you
were suddenly stricken blind today. Picture yourself stumbling and
groping at noonday as in the night; your work, your independence,
gone. In that dark world wouldn't you be glad if a friend took you
by the hand and said, "Come with me and I will teach you how to do
some of the things you used to do when you could see"? That is just
the kind of friend the American Foundation is going to be to all the
blind in this country if seeing people will give it the support it
must have.
You have heard how through a little word dropped from the fingers
of another, a ray of light from another soul touched the darkness of
my mind and I found myself, found the world, found God. It is
because my teacher learned about me and broke through the dark,
silent imprisonment which held me that I am able to work for myself
and for others. It is the caring we want more than money. The gift
without the sympathy and interest of the giver is empty. If you
care, if we can make the people of this great country care, the
blind will indeed triumph over blindness.
The opportunity I bring to you, Lions, is this: To foster and
sponsor the work of the American Foundation for the Blind. Will you
not help me hasten the day when there shall be no preventable
blindness; no little deaf, blind child untaught; no blind man or
woman unaided? I appeal to you Lions, you who have your sight, your
hearing, you who are strong and brave and kind. Will you not
constitute yourselves Knights of the Blind in this crusade against
darkness?
I thank you. |
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Note - In 1971,
the Board of Directors of Lions Clubs International declared that henceforth
June 1 would be remembered as "Helen Keller Day." Lions around the world
implement sight-related service projects on Helen Keller Day.
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