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HELEN KELLER’S SPEECH

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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