March 2, 1998

Mr. Prime Minister, Distinguished Ambassadors, Madam Deputy Secretary General, Ambassador vanden Heuval, Chairman Reich, Mrs. Anan, honored guests, friends and family:

If Franklin D. Roosevelt were here today, he certainly would be enjoying himself, but he would be standing, leg braces locked, gripping the podium fiercely with one hand, while with his other he crushed the biceps of one of his sons. He would be in pain that would have been (or is) unbearable for most of us; he would be disregarding the weight and chaffing, persistent sores of steel braces;-- but most certainly he would have been defiant in his focused insistence that he appear to "walk" to greet all of us in what Hugh Gallagher has coined the "splendid deception."

It was largely unrecognized by most Americans back then, but today it is undeniable that FDR lived with serious, disabling paralysis that resulted from his having contracted poliomyelitis at the age of 39. But from those closest to FDR in those times, to today's award-winning historians, we have learned that the experience of polio and his learning to live with constant pain and disability most likely gave FDR much of the strength, courage and determination that made him the great President and world leader he was. One cannot comprehend, much less understand FDR without learning of the events and experiences that helped to shape his character, including his heroic struggle with polio. But he was not great despite his disability: he was great because of his disability. I would urge us all to think in terms of FDR's disability enabling him, not disabling him!

In his day, FDR was perhaps the keenest observer of the political moment, of the importance of attitude and impression, and of the imagery needed to raise the confidence and spirits of a beleaguered nation and a war-torn world. And, many have since concluded that behind the incredible bravado, the irresistible confidence, the jaunty (if not cocky) postures, and the Infectious spirit, was this keen sense of what image he had to present to most of the world--of the fully capable leader, the happy warrior, the confident commander-in-chief, the ever-buoyant politician. And, who can deny he was not all of these--with his disability!

In this new day and age, before this very special gathering, and for this specific occasion, I'm :not so sure that FDR would not have used his wheel chair or possibly just his braces and crutches. He would have recognized our acceptance of the truth that all of us are imperfect in one way or another, as well as the harsher reality that some of us are more seriously disabled than others--but by no means less able, less aspiring or less determined. He would have understood the differences of this age and the continuing critical need to have role models to inspire both the ordinarily disabled and the extraordinarily disabled to attain the heights that can be achieved with courage, compassion and determination.

The attitudes of today are not those of yesterday; we have come a long way from the days when disabilities were kept secret and hidden. But we have not come far enough--no where near far enough--and that's why such major initiatives as the United Nations World Programme of Action Concerning Disabled Persons, and the many other national initiatives adopted and Implemented in countries across the world are so Important. It is why we are all here, to use the important message of a prestigious award--the Franklin Delano Roosevelt International Disability Award--to a clearly deserving country--Canada, coupled with a well-publicized event engaging distinguished world leaders, to bring public attention and recognition to the issue of how nations, communities, organizations, religions, and people of good will everywhere can and must expand the participation of people with disabilities for economic, humanitarian and social reasons.

It is most appropriate that Canada is this year's recipient of an award with the name of Franklin D. Roosevelt attached to it, for in many ways, FDR had a very special relationship with Canada. We first went to Campobello in the Province of New Brunswick with his family in 1884, and repeatedly returned during ensuing summers. One of his children was born in the cottage on Campobello, and it was also at Campobello that FDR came down with polio. And, after his struggle with polio, gaining the New York governorship, and becoming elected President; he returned to his beloved Campobello on three subsequent occasions In 1933, 1936 and finally in 1939. It was FDR's "beloved Island" of Campobello that drew FDR back so often to Canada to nourish his soul, replenish his energy, savor its quiet beauty, sail its challenging waters and enjoy his wise and respectful neighbors.

It was also either with Canadians or on Canadian soil or in Canadian waters that important elements`: of tine Canadian, British and U.S. strategy for the Second World War were developed. From the unusual "box car" summit FDR held with Prime Minister Mackenzie King in Ogdensburg, New York in 1940, to the Atlantic Charter Conference in Newfoundland In 1941, and the two Quebec conferences in 1943 and 1944, FDR pursued a close and mutually respectful good neighbor policy with his important ally, Canada.

Constitutionally, through legislation, government funding and a "National Strategy" committed to action that has improved access to housing, employment, transportation, education and communications, Canada has provided inspired leadership in guaranteeing and furthering the rights of people with disabilities.

So today it is a special privilege as a Roosevelt, as a citizen of Canada's good neighbor the United States, and as one personally dedicated to the rights and prerogatives of the disabled, to be able to share in this ceremony presenting the Franklin Delano Roosevelt International Disability inward to Canada. It is only with continuing such efforts and recognizing such achievements that we can enable the spirit to soar and human determination to conquer the confines of disabilities

I salute Canada, the progress if has made in enabling people with disabilities, the leadership of its Prime Minister, Jean Chretien, and the honor they have achieved today.