[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 143 (Tuesday, October 6, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2458]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




ACCEPTANCE OF STATUE OF HELEN KELLER PRESENTED BY THE PEOPLE OF ALABAMA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 30, 2009

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in 
support of the Congressional Tribute commending the dedication of the 
statue of Helen Keller.
  The life of Helen Keller is one that we continue to praise because of 
her tenacious spirit. Having her sight and hearing stolen by illness as 
an infant in rural Alabama did not stop her from accomplishing 
incredible feats. Ms. Keller is not only a champion for the blind and 
deaf in the United States, but also worldwide. Her miraculous 
breakthrough came at a simple well-pump, learning the spelling of the 
word ``water'' as it ran over her hand. From this moment, she went on 
to graduate from Radcliffe College, author several books and be awarded 
the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
  As a Representative, as a woman, and as a nurse, I can appreciate the 
societal and medical challenges Ms. Keller overcame to become the 
triumphant figure that she is. Young women have a great role model in 
Helen Keller. She has also inspired medical professionals and 
humanitarians across the globe to fight preventable blindness and 
malnutrition.
  It is with great respect for this American hero that I urge my 
colleagues to join me in supporting the Congressional Tribute 
commending the dedication of the statue of Helen Keller.

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