"The Canyon of Heroes" poem Fact Sheet

October 30, 2000 "The Canyon of Heroes" poem was written while watching the NYC Ticker Tape Parade for the World Series Champions- The New York Yankees; on television.
2001 mailed a copy of the poem to Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Recieved a favorable response from the Administrative Aide in writing.
2004 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. Request Denied; lack of funds and enthusiasm for the proposal. Suggestion of placing the poem between two pieces of glass and displayed was unwelcomed as well.
2005 recited the poem at the Open Mike Sundays sponsored by the Queens Central Library in Jamaica NY.
September 2006 Attempted participation 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.
October 2006 a copy of the poem was mailed to publicist Nancy Greenberg- Cutler at The Mayor's Office of Special Events.
November 2006 & 2007 Attempted to participate in Veteran Day Program sponsored by NY Harbor Health Care Facility (VA Hospital); St. Albans NY. Request Denied; 2006 Bill La Mariana stated that individuals are not allowed to participate. 2007 Bill La Mariana and Yvette Cintron decided the poem was inappropriate for the Veteran population. Yvette claimed the Executive Committee was in agreement with the determination.
November 2006 Veterans Day Program sponsored by the Rochdale Village Senior Center in Rochdale Village NY.
November 2006 & 2007 Veterans Day Program sponsored by VFW Post # 5298 located in Laurelton NY.
December 2006 The Mayor's Office of Special Events called to confirm receipt of "The Canyon of Heroes" poem. Publicist Nancy Greenberg- Cutler made the telephone call; stating that it would be kept on file.
December 2006 Appeared on QPTV sponsored "The Baxter Show" to promote the poem and seek assistance from the public.
Spotlighted in the Southeast Queens Press; Profile Section (Feb. 23- Mar. 1, 2007). The article titled "Poet Dreams of Ticker Tape Honors" (page # 22).
Featured in VFW Post # 5298 Monthly newsletter for March, April and May 2007 issues.
New York State Awards Presentation Ceremony March 8, 2007 the poem was included in the printed program only; by Senator Serphin Maltese.
May 2007 Laurelton Memorial Day Parade.
June 2007 VFW Post # 5298 Flag Day Ceremony.
June 2007 Senator Malcolm A. Smith's Annual Veteran's Breakfast Event.
August 2007 Attempted participation in the African American Day Parade; scheduled for September 16, 2007. Rejected; Organizer Abe Synder 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".
September 2007 VFW Post # 5298 POW/MIA Ceremony located at the post.
October 8, 2007 Columbus Day Program sponsored by the Recreation Department; St. Albans VA Hospital.
January 13, 2008- York College 9th. Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., & Black History Month Art, Memorabilia, Poetry, Quilt Exhibition and Celebration. Promoted both "The Canyon of Heroes" and "The Barack Obama" (One Twisted Sister) poems.
Spotlighted in the Southeast Queens Press; Profile Section (Jan. 25- Jan. 21, 2008). The article titled "Eyeing A Future In Canyon of Heroes" (page # 14).
February 5, 2008 Attempted participation in the NYC Ticker Tape Parade for the NY Giants; the Super Bowl (XLII) Champions. Request Denied; Shea Fink cited concerns that rain was expected and that the program would be shortened in length.
February 16, 2008 *Grand Opening* for Simply To Empower (Specialty Gift Shop); read "The Canyon of Heroes" poem. Call (718) 525- 7810/ 7811) to verify with owner/ 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.
Featured in the STREETHYPE newspaper; Lifestyle Section (March 14- March 26 2008. The article titled "Poet Rhonda Cox Needs A Manager And Publicist!" (page # 22).
May 2008- After months of attending committee meetings for the Thank You For Serving Video; Pat Guieterri- Executive Director of the United War Veterans Council New York determined that "The Canyon of Heroes" poem didn't fit. He suggested that a poem about a soldier would have been more appropriate. Ten thousand copies were slated to be distributed to every US Military Installation in the world. The poem was also excluded from events scheduled for La Guardia Community College and the NYC Veterans Day Parade (5th. Ave.). Months prior to all scheduled committee meetings "The Canyon of Heroes" poem was submitted serveral times and well received by the Council; in particular by Pat Guieterri.
June 3, 2008 the Center For The Women Of New York; Culture Club sponsored Open Mike Night recited "The Canyon of Heroes" poem.
September 8, 2008 via email/ Request Denied; to participate in the October 28, 2008 "Statue of Liberty Celebration" sponsored by the National Ladies Auxiliary VFW. Clara Day; Director of Communications stated that "The Canyon of Heroes" poem wouldn't be a good fit for their program.
Monday September 29, 2008 recieved a call from The Mayor's Office of Special Events; Maryanne stating that I could not participate in The Veterans Breakfast because there was no room on the program and that the poem was inappropriate for the Veterans.