Hails Robinson, P.S. 112 Kids
To The Editor:

During this time of sad news, of recession, war, strife and concern about the world situation, I was delighted to read two wonderful articles presented in the Gazette of April 16.

How delighted I am to learn that a rotunda featuring a memorial etched in stone featuring the nine truly wonderful words and credo of Jackie Robinson will be part of the new Mets Stadium, known as Citi Field, in 2009. This is a true legacy and commemoration and memorial to one of the greatest men in history. He moved the barriers and climbed the mountains of life to achieve racial justice and equality not by war, not by defiance, not by bloodshed or angry hatred or rhetoric, but by scoring home runs, base hits, breaking the awful color line of prejudice in baseball and establishing a foundation to help others achieve equality and cherish the golden rainbow of freedom, equality and justice for all. To me, these are great deeds and feats of a man of great moral character and stature. I had the joy and privilege of meeting Mrs. Rachel Robinson and her daughter when I was given the Liberty Medal in September 2006 and that to me, was an honor indeed. To think that I was standing at home plate at Yankee Stadium alongside two truly splendid people of greatness makes my heart dance with joy and triumph. Throughout my life, Jackie has been my hero and my inspiration. Let his words, actions and deeds ring in our ears, and be part of our daily lives.

I am also proud of the children of P.S. 112 for their fundraising of $1,000 to help Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens. This also displays admirable qualities of our younger generation, namely giving, doing good deeds and caring for the sick and the less fortunate. How ironic that the good deeds of these children and the splendid character of valor, courage, giving and caring of the Robinsons were featured during the week when Pope Benedict XVI, Passover and the Greek Easter, all displaying freedom, promises for hope, caring and sharing and goodness to others and making this a better world are part of our news.

Let all of us strive to make this a better world, and apply the lessons of the Pope, the extraordinary deeds of the Robinsons and the goodness of the public school children to be part of our lives.

Thanks, Gazette, for shining the light of goodness and kindness in our sky of life this week. Happy Passover and Greek Easter to the readers who celebrate and may all of us enjoy our springtime, a time of renewal.
Cynthia Groopman
Long Island City