To the Editor:

I invited Dr. Steinman to read to children in Massachusetts for A Salute to Reading is Fundamental’s 21st anniversary of the popular read-aloud program which began on Monday, November 14 in communities throughout the state.

Hundreds of celebrities and volunteers will blanket the state to read to children as part of our celebration of “A Salute to Rif Week 2011.

Dr. Theodore I. Steinman, Clinical Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School is Senior Physician at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center In Boston. Known nationally and internationally, Dr. Steinman has been honored for his dedication and commitment to his patients.

Unfortunately, next week Dr. Steinman will be on tour giving lectures at various medical meetings throughout the country and cannot participate in RIF. Dr. Steinman sent me the following message:

Congratulations on the stupendous job you are doing with “Salute to Reading." Such a program is so needed and vital to the development of our children. A society that is not fully literate will collapse on itself. Keep up the excellent work - the contribution you are making is the story of an unsung hero. However, when you look in the mirror at the end of the day, you have the satisfaction of having done good for the world. There is a statement in Judaism, "save one soul and you have saved the world." So if one person rises to greater heights because of this program, then it is a success.

We cannot overemphasize the impact that volunteers make on this important program. To get involved with A Salute to Reading is Fundamental, contact thedoc2@msn.com or call 508-295-1157.

Joanne Byron
State Chairman
A Salute to Reading Is Fundamental

This year, A Salute to Reading is Fundamental is celebrated in Wareham schools from November 14 to 18.