[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 80 (Tuesday, June 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1164-E1165]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SHIRLEY KLEIN OF DUNBAR, WV, MEMORIALIZES FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT THROUGH 
                                 POETRY

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                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 10, 1997

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to call my colleagues attention 
to a most beautiful tribute to Franklin D. Roosevelt, written by 
Shirley Klein of Dunbar, WV.
  As we are all aware, there has been much controversy recently over 
the dedication of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial because it does 
not depict that much-loved President in his wheelchair. The disabled 
community has come out in strong favor of adding to the memorial, a 
statue of President Roosevelt in the wheelchair that was so much a part 
of his every-day lift as he struggled to lift this Nation from its 
knees during our worst depression, as well as to bring us to victory in 
World War II. I agree that the memorial ought to be augmented to show 
this great President in his wheelchair.

[[Page E1165]]

  Mr. Speaker, Shirley Klein is, like Franklin Roosevelt, disabled and 
in a wheelchair and, like Franklin Roosevelt, her heart and mind are 
strong and vibrant and immensely productive. Knowing they shared this 
particular challenge, even as a child, she wrote a most beautiful poem 
in tribute to him. If anyone still believes the Roosevelt Memorial 
ought not to depict him in his wheelchair, Shirley's poem will surely 
change their minds. Shirley's poem follows:

                                Memorial

                           (By Shirley Klein)

     Deny him not his throne of grace.
     Its wheels were his wings
     On which he flew
     To save a world,
     To heal a land.
     Let ages know
     This was a man
     Who seated firm,
     Towered tall.
     And I, a child
     Who saw him there,
     Knew at last
     I too could soar.

     

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