"THE CANYON OF HEROES" POEM FACT SHEET
I wrote "The Canyon of Heroes" Poem on October 30, 2000, while watching the New York City Ticker Tape
Parade for the World Series Champions - The New York Yankees; on television.
In 2001 I mailed a copy of the poem to Mayor Rudy Giuliani. I received a favorable response from the
administrative aids in writing; (they liked it).
In 2004 I was contacted by The Downtown Alliance in response to request to have "The Canyon of Heroes" Poem
etched in granite and placed along the parade route; just like past nominees honored. Request Denied. Lack of funds, and enthusiasm
for the proposal. Suggestion of placing
the poem between two pieces of glass and displayed was un-welcomed as well.
IN 2005 I recited the poem at the Open Mike Sundays sponsored by the Queens Central Library in Jamaica,
New York.
In September 2006 I attempted to participate in the National Hall of Honor Museum (featuring
Purple Heart Recipients memorabilia) in Vails Gate NY (program scheduled for November); rejected. Senator
Bill Larkin's office loved the poem. The organizers had no room left on the program.
I mailed a copy of the poem to Publicist Nancy Greenberg - Cutler at The Mayor's Office
of
Special Events in October 2006.
In November 2006 and November 2007 I attempted to participate in the VA New York Harbor
Health Care System Veterans Day Program at St. Albans Campus. Request Denied. 2006 Bill
LaMariana stated that individuals are not allowed to participate. 2007 Bill LaMariana and Yvette Cintron
decided the poem was inappropriate for the Veteran population. Yvette claimed
that the Executive Committee was in agreement with the determination. (I thought Veterans are heroes, according
to them Veterans are not Heroes).
I participated in the Rochdale Senior Citizens Center's Veterans Day Program in 2006 in Rochdale
Village, N.Y. I read "The Canyon of Heroes" Poem.
In November 2006 and 2007 I participated and read the poem at the Veterans Day Program
at The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post # 5298 in Laurelton, N.Y.
In December 2006 The Mayor's Office of Special Events called me to inform me that they were
in receipt of "The Canyon of Heroes" Poem. Publicist Nancy Greenberg - Cutler made the call. She stated
that it will be kept on file.
In December 2006 I appeared on QPTV sponsored "The John Baxter Show" to promote the poem and seek assistance
from the public.
I was spotlighted in the Southeast Queens Press, Profile Section (Feb. 23- Mar. 1, 2007)
The article titled "Poet Dreams of Ticker Tape Honors" (page # 22).
I was featured in VFW Post # 5298 Monthly News Letter in March, April and May 2007 issues.
The poem was included in the printed program only; for the New York State Senate Awards
Presentation Ceremony hosted by Senator Serphin Maltese and Senator Malcom Smith
at the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System St. Albans Campus, on March 8, 2007.
I participated and read the poem at the Laurelton Memorial Day Parade on Memorial Day
2007. Mayor Michael Bloomburg was at this event.
In June 2007 I read the poem at a Flag Day Ceremony sponsored by VFW Post # 5298.
I read the Poem at a Veterans Breakfast sponsored by Senator Malcom Smith in June 2007.
In August 2007 I attempted to participate in the African American Day Parade, scheduled for September 15,
2007. Rejected; Organizer Abe Snyder stated that individuals are not allowed to participate in the parade. Quote "We want
Afro-American Children to see that they can become Firemen or Policemen". Well I think that they can be anything they
want to be.
In September 2007 I read the poem at a POW/MIA Ceremony sponsored by VFW Post # 5298.
I participated and read the poem on September 8, 2007 Columbus Day at a program held by
the Recreation Department at the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System St. Albans Campus.
I read the poem and participated in The York College 9th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Black
History Month Art, Memorabilia, Poetry, Quilt Exhibition and celebration. I was able to promote "The Canyon of Heroes" Poem
and "The Barack Obama (One Twisted Sister)" Poem.
Southeast Queens Press, Profile Section (Jan. 25- Jan. 31, 2008). The article titled "Eyeing A Future In
Canyon Of Heroes".
February 5, 2008 Attempted participation in the NYC Ticker Tape Parade for the NY Giants; the Supe Bowl
(XLII) Champions. Request Denied; Shea Fink cited concerns that rain was expected and that the program would be shortened
in length. Go to YouTube to see the NY Giants Ticker Tape Parade.
February 16, 2008 *Grand Opening* for Simply To Empower (Specialty Gift Shop); read "The Canyon of Heroes" poem. Call
(718) 978- 7810/ 7811 to verify with owner or manager.
February 21, 2008 EHB Regular Democratic Club; Monthly Membership Meeting/ Black History Month Program read both Proud
Afro- American and "The Canyon of Heroes" poems. To verify call (718) 525- 4033.
Feature in the STREETHYPE newspaper; Lifestyle Section (March 14- 26, 2008). The article titled "Poet Rhonda Cox needs
a manager and publicist!" (page # 22).
"The Canyon of Heroes" Poem was copyrighted in 2000.
