Helen Keller: We all recognize the name Helen Keller and the hardships she underwent when at the age of 18 months she suffered a severe fever leaving her blind and deaf. Yet she persevered and learned to speak, learned sign language and learned Braille. However, did you know that in 1925 Helen Keller challenged Lions Clubs International to become “knights of the blind in the crusade of darkness”? Lions Clubs International accepted her challenge and have included sight programs aimed at preventable blindness. In 1971 the Board of Directors of Lions Clubs International instituted June 1st as Helen Keller Day. Lions Clubs around the world implement sight-related projects on Helen Keller Day.

Read Helen Keller’s 1925 speech to Lions Clubs International at www.lionsclubs.org then choose About Lions, Mission and History, Our History, Helen Keller’s Speech.