Larry Johnston: One individual can make a difference

FloridaToday.com
2/23/11

I am standing in the shadow of the Statute of Liberty. I am doing what few people do, I am looking west toward New Jersey and not east (actually northeast) toward New York City.

Sometimes I seem to see things differently than the people around me. You ought to try it. The rewards are great.

I am looking west because of one man. His name was Morris Pesin. Mr. Pesin is proof one man can make a difference. The beautiful difference he made is known to many but not as many as should know.

It is their loss.

In 1958, Mr. Pesin looked west from here, too, and saw what he called "a shameful backdrop to the world's greatest symbol of freedom." It was a derelict section of New Jersey shoreline with rusting hulks and garbage only 2,000 feet from Lady Liberty.

So, in 1958, he began what can only be described as a crusade to convert the eyesore into one of the finest free state parks in the nation.

It was no easy task.

For 18 years, he struggled with governments, politics, naysayers and big businesses to help them see the larger vision he had. He cajoled, pleaded, reasoned with and wore out opposition forces or just those who didn't see the need. The result of his tireless work is Liberty State Park.

His victory was a beautiful one, literally and figuratively.

Over two miles long, the waterfront park offers a spectacular view of Manhattan, the Hudson River and, of course, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. It also houses restored terminal historical landmarks from the railroad era and the Liberty Science Center. It is an oasis of trees, boardwalks, bike trails and picnic facilities in the midst of a desert wasteland of urban sprawl, city noise and expensive eateries.

In 1985, Ronald Reagan honored Mr. Pesin's efforts by giving him the President's Volunteer Action Award at the White House. Mr. Pesin died in 1992, so I decided to contact his son, Sam, now president of the Friends of Liberty State Park himself, to give my thanks for the beautiful view and ask what advice his father might give to others who want to make a difference too.

"I think Dad learned that people with a dream must persevere and build grassroots support for their causes," he said. "He learned to cooperate and listen."

It is a good message.

Next time you see an aerial view of the Statue of Liberty, look carefully over her shoulder. There are trees and a boardwalk and monuments behind her. Some who saw her before the formal opening of Liberty State Park in 1976 (Flag Day, June 14) say she seems to stand a little taller and more proudly now.

We should too. When there are individuals among us like Morris Pesin, who dared to make a difference, we can stand taller with a little more pride too.

How about you? Is there something you can do to make a difference in your neighborhood?

E-mail Johnston at LarryJohnston larryjohnstonfl@aol.com