What America Means to Me

Created in the 1950, What America Means to Me included what notable people believe America means to them. Hear Helen Keller's voice as she describes what how America is a "producer of grand characters and works. The garden of genius, from which Emerson, Burroughs, Walt Whitman infused the world far." She continues that "America as the nation which raised women to the equal rights of man."

Hoyt S. Vandenberg, who mastermined the attack of Normandy in WWII, speaks of the sacrifice Americans must be willing to make to preserve freedom. Sigmund Romberg says that "America means an opportunity, a fair, a challenge. Yes, more than anything else, a challenge." William L. Green, former President of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) speaks that America is the "last best hope of civilization."

Hazel Scott - Discovered as a musical prodigy at the age of four, Hazel Scott was an African-American female pianist, singer, and performer.

Elmer Davis - One of the greatest reporters of all time and the Director of the United States Office of War Information during World War II.

Eleanor Roosevelt - Former first lady, and champion for women, civil rights, and the poor, she continued her political career long after the death of her husband, FDR.

Helen Keller - Born deaf and blind, Helen Keller learned to write and speak with the help of Anne Sullivan. Later in life she became a political activist, an advocate for persons with disabilities, and was the first deafblind person to earn a bachelor's degree.

This collection reminds listeners of the importance of freedom, democracy, and upholding the idea of equality and justice.