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Last Updated: Jul 2nd, 2008 - 21:15:22 |
NAPSI)-Although most people can name a litany of famous athletes, entertainers or historic statesmen, few can easily list the Americans who have changed our country through their volunteer service. Monuments in Washington, DC, appropriately pay tribute to our war heroes and great Presidents, but until now there has not been a tangible acknowledgement of the contributions of the great leaders of our social and service sectors.
Thanks to a new initiative of the Points of Light Foundation, our nation's capital is now home to a unique national monument that fills the void. Known as the "Extra Mile-Points of Light Volunteer Pathway," the new monument tells the stories of selfless men and women who built their dreams for service into great movements that have created enduring change in America.
The monument consists of a series of bronze medallions forming a one-mile walking path just a couple of blocks east of the White House. Each marker bears the likeness of an honoree, a description of his or her achievement and a quote.
The Extra Mile was officially dedicated with great fanfare on October 14th, with Former President George Bush attending a ceremony hosted by political commentator Cokie Roberts.
"At a time when Americans are volunteering their time in unprecedented numbers to help their fellow citizens who have fallen victim to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, it is very fitting that we dedicate a permanent tribute to the leaders of the service movement in America," President Bush declared to attendees at the event. "I've always said that any definition of a successful life must include service to others. My hope is that this monument will serve to inspire a similar commitment in all those who visit the Extra Mile over the generations to come."
The Extra Mile honorees include well-known figures like American Red Cross founder Clara Barton and civil rights activist Frederick Douglass, as well as far less celebrated men and women whose legacies represent remarkable social achievements. The pathway is lined with tributes to founders of organizations like Goodwill Industries, Rotary International and Easter Seals. Funding for the Extra Mile was raised entirely from private sources with the KPMG Foundation as the signature sponsor.
Robert K. Goodwin, president and CEO of Points of Light Foundation for the past ten years, appreciates as well as anyone the impact of volunteering on American life.
"Despite the magnitude of their achievements, this is a relatively unsung group of heroes who have long deserved to be publicly recognized," he said. "These are amazing private citizens who gave of themselves, without regard to personal gain, to make our world a better place to live."
For more information about the monument visit www.ExtraMile. us. For general information on how to volunteer in your community, visit www.1-800-Volunteer. org or call 1-800-Volunteer.
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