For those late arrivals (including Ray's readers who were not even born at the time), I thought you might enjoy reading Ray Bradbury's acceptance speech when, on November 15, 2000, the National Book Foundation conferred its Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters upon Ray at its annual awards ceremony in New York City. I considered attending in person but decided at the time that the cost was prohibitive, much to my regret today. However, I was able to watch the ceremony on television, and still remember the happiness and joy I felt watching Ray receive his award. Here is a link to Ray's entire acceptance speech that night. For those who have never read or heard it before, I hope it inspires you as it did me. Enjoy!

http://www.nationalbook.org/nb...ry.html#.WC24QP4zXcs