Bill Clinton: “Long before ``Fences,'' before ``Seven Guitars,'' before ``Two Trains Running,'' before his two Pulitzers, August Wilson…”

“Long before ``Fences,'' before ``Seven Guitars,'' before ``Two Trains Running,'' before his two Pulitzers, August Wilson wrote an essay. He was in high school, and his teacher refused to believe that a black student could have produced something that good. Disgusted by the low expectations of his teacher, August Wilson took refuge in the library. This is what he said: ``I found books by black writers and realized I could do that. I could have a book on a shelf.'' From the dimly lit library stacks to the bright lights of the stage, he has chronicled the African-American experience throughout the 20th century, decade by decade, with epic plays of dreams and doubts, humor and heartbreak, mystery and music. Years ago, August Wilson asked a friend and fellow writer, ``How do you make your characters talk?'' His friend replied, ``You don't; you listen to them.'' America is richer for the listening voice, and the landmark drama of August Wilson. Colonel, read the citation. [Lieutenant Colonel Everhart read the citation, and the President presented the medal.]”