The organizations represented here are the heart and soul of the literacy movement, along of course with the volunteers and the students. But if it weren't for the professionals leading the way, the rest of us would not have a clue what to do. As always, the best and really only thing I can do for you is be your biggest cheerleader. You could say I'm sort of like the coach in the locker room before the big game, giving the team all sorts of rah-rah inspiration, then staying on the sidelines while the players go out and take all the bumps and bruises. Just keep in mind that each of you has a very special gift to give - the gift of reading.
Few gifts are more precious.
No other gift strengthens the mind and nourishes the soul like reading does. No other gift gives rise to our dreams like literacy. Looking to the future, as Senator Simon said, everyone here at this national literacy forum is invited to think big - to dream big dreams. I can't help but feel that the reason so many of you are here today is because, like me, you can see that the day is coming when every American man and woman, and every American child, will be able to read. Of course, until that day arrives, we can't possibly reach our potential as a truly great Nation.