2001: "With an Eye to the Past" Debuts

"With an Eye to the Past," prepared by the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, debuted on February 7, 2001 at a recognition luncheon. With an Eye to the Past tackles the gargantuan task of commemorating and acknowledging the 50-year effort to deinstitutionalize our state hospital system and move people with developmental disabilities into our communities and our lives. The presentation celebrates the contributions Minnesotans have made to improve the care and quality of life of thousands of Minnesotans with developmental disabilities.

https://mn.gov/mnddc/past

The Honorable Elmer L. Andersen, former Minnesota Governor, gave a moving speech. Mr. Andersen served as a Republican Minnesota Senator from 1949 through 1958, and as the 30th Governor of Minnesota from 1961 to 1963.

http://mn.gov/mnddc/past/videoclips/elmer-andersen.html

The speech was so powerful that the Honorable Roger Moe, former Senate Democratic Majority Leader from 1981 through 2003, discussed it one day later as he addressed the Minnesota Legislature, urging them to view the presentation as well.

http://mn.gov/mnddc/past/videoclips/roger-moe.html