The Extra Mile facts for kids
The Extra Mile – Points of Light Volunteer Pathway is a special memorial in Washington D.C.. It is located right next to the White House. This monument has 34 bronze medallions. These medallions honor people who "reached out to others through their caring and personal sacrifice." These heroes built their dreams into movements that helped people across America and around the world. Each medallion is 42 inches wide. They are placed in sidewalks that form a one-mile walking path. This path is bordered by Pennsylvania Avenue, 15th Street, G Street, and 11th Street, NW. Every medallion shows a raised image of one or more honored people. It also includes a description of what they achieved and a famous quote from them.
The Extra Mile was started by John A. Johansen in 1992. The Make a Difference Foundation managed the planning and building of the monument. Later, this foundation joined with the Points of Light Foundation in 2002. The Extra Mile memorial was officially opened on October 14, 2005. Former President George H. W. Bush and Barbara Bush attended the special ceremony.
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What is The Extra Mile?
The Extra Mile is like an outdoor museum. It celebrates people who made a big difference in the world. These individuals showed great kindness and worked hard to help others. They turned their ideas into big movements. These movements improved the lives of many people. The path helps us remember their important work. It encourages everyone to think about how they can help their communities too.
How the Memorial Was Created
The idea for The Extra Mile came from John A. Johansen. He wanted to create a lasting tribute to volunteers. The project took many years to plan and build. Many people worked together to make it happen. The Points of Light Foundation helped bring this vision to life. The dedication ceremony was a big event. It recognized the importance of volunteerism.
Honoring American Heroes
The Extra Mile honors many different kinds of heroes. These are people who worked for important causes. They helped improve society in many ways. From fighting for equal rights to protecting nature, their efforts changed lives. Each person on the pathway showed amazing dedication. They remind us that one person can make a huge difference.
Who Are the Honorees?
The people honored on The Extra Mile pathway come from various backgrounds. They include leaders who fought for civil rights. Others started important organizations that help people every day. Some worked to protect our environment. All of them shared a common goal: to make the world a better place. Their stories inspire us to be active citizens.
- Jane Addams – She started Hull House, which helped many people in need.
- Edgar Allen – He founded Easter Seals, an organization that helps people with disabilities.
- Ethel Percy Andrus – She founded AARP, which helps older adults.
- Susan B. Anthony – She was a leader in the movement for women's right to vote.
- Roger Nash Baldwin – He founded the American Civil Liberties Union, which protects people's rights.
- Ruth Standish Baldwin / Dr. George Haynes – They founded the National Urban League, helping African Americans.
- Ida Wells-Barnett – She was a leader who fought against unfair violence.
- Clara Barton – She founded the American Red Cross, which helps people in emergencies.
- Clifford Beers – He started the modern movement to improve mental health care.
- Ballington & Maud Booth – They founded Volunteers of America, helping those in need.
- William D. Boyce – He founded the Boy Scouts of America, an organization for boys.
- Wallace Campbell – He founded CARE, which provides help around the world.
- Rachel Carson – She was an environmentalist who taught us about protecting nature.
- Cesar Chavez – He helped start the United Farm Workers of America to support farm workers.
- Ernest Kent Coulter – He founded Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America, which mentors young people.
- Dorothea Dix – She worked to improve care for people with mental health challenges.
- Frederick Douglass – He was an abolitionist who fought to end slavery.
- Millard & Linda Fuller – They founded Habitat for Humanity, which builds homes for families.
- Hector Garcia – He founded the American G.I. Forum, helping veterans.
- Samuel Gompers – He founded the American Federation of Labor, a group for workers.
- Charlotte & Luther Gulick – They founded Camp Fire, a youth organization.
- William Edwin Hall – He was president of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
- Paul Harris – He founded Rotary International, a service organization.
- Dorothy Height – She was an important Civil Rights Leader.
- Edgar J. Helms – He founded Goodwill Industries, which helps people find jobs.
- Melvin Jones – He founded the International Association of Lions Clubs, a service group.
- Helen Keller – She founded the American Foundation for the Blind, helping people who are blind.
- Martin Luther King Jr. – He was a famous Civil Rights Leader.
- Juliette Gordon Low – She founded the Girl Scouts of the USA, an organization for girls.
- John Muir – He was a conservationist who worked to protect nature.
- Mary White Ovington / W. E. B. Du Bois – They founded the NAACP, a civil rights organization.
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver – She founded Special Olympics, a sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities.
- Robert Smith/William Wilson – They helped start Alcoholics Anonymous, which supports people overcoming difficult habits.
- Harriet Tubman – She was a leader of the Underground Railroad, helping people escape slavery.
- Booker T. Washington – He was an important Civil Rights Leader.
