For persons suffering to make statement, he knows it. This is just the beginning, but it is also an example of what we need to do for the other guys. We have more now with celebrity appearances from 2014. Coming up next singer demi lovato. In the past you talk about her with depression. As the speakers have shown of her rning, the power advocacy flows from our lives experiences. Our next speaker is an especially powerful voice. Recording artist, author, Mental Health advocate, demi lovato. Like the title of her album, she is unbroken. Last year, she was honored for her mentorship of young adults with Mental Health and Substance Abuse issues. This year, her book made the times bestseller list. This summer, she embarked on a tour to share a story. We are especially grateful to coming here today in just two days, she starts her world tour. She will be making stops in 20 cities across the United States and canada. [applause] over 24 base includes diehard twitter followers and facebook fans. Two of those millions of fans in arlington, e virginia and ages 12 and 15. Im very grateful to danny as a Mental Health advocate, but especially as a mom. I cannot tell you how much it means to have a celebrity who is a real role model. Battling the prejudices that it takes to speak out. She brings help and hope to all those who were affected by Mental Illness. [applause] thank you so much. The introduction was really overwhelming in the most positive way. So, thank you. Hi, everyone. My people. It is an honor and a privilege today at namis national day of action. Looking out at tall view is so inspiring. It is great to see so many people dedicated to improving Mental Health and the lives of others. Seeing people of all ages from all the country come together gives me so much hope that change is possible. Those of us here today and know that Mental Illness has no prejudice. Every ects people of race, gender, economic status. Not discriminate between republicans or democrats. [applause] that is why we are here today. We need to send a simple message to our nations leaders Mental Health matters and it must be taken seriously. [applause] for mental to act health. Groups like ecause our help us understand voices really matter. We have the power to make a difference, and the personal experience needed to be taken seriously. We know what it means to have our lives, or the lives of people we love, get off track because of Mental Illness. We understand that Mental Illness is serious and can be absolutely devastating. We also know that Mental Illness can be treatable when we have access to appropriate conference of care. Because of argely our personal experience with Mental Illness that we are here today. As i learn more about my own illness, and the experience of others, i realize how much we have in common. Even if Mental Illness has made my ew headlines because of career there are a number of ways in which ive been very lucky. Even with access to so much, my journey has not been in easy one. During my darkest times, i did not know why i was alive, and i not like myself. That was so w. That i cannot get out of bed in the morning. And very connected angry. There were stretches of time when i felt nothing but shame. I would medicate myself with drugs and alcohol in an effort feel normal not better, just normal. I do not understand why someone like me with all the resources be reasons in the world to emotionally well, i could not find happiness. When i was finally diagnosed with bipolar disorder, it was a relief. Make sense rt to about my depression and the things i was doing to try cope. Getting the right diagnosis did not happen overnight. The process of being and misunderstood i learned how important it is to be open with your doctor to get to the root of what is going on. With ourney to living well bipolar disorder involves seeing a therapist, the honest myself, and others, following my treatment plan, and taking care of my body comprehensive care. [applause] living well with bipolar disorder takes work and it does not happen at once. There is not one day when the light simply came on and i said, im cured, im better. Sometimes, that first, second, or even third medication we try is not the best. We owe it to ourselves to keep trying. The reality is, youre not a car that will going to shop and get fixed immediately. Today, im so grateful for my life and i want to preserve and protect it. [applause] it is my personal mission to share with others of all ages who are children that are fans, people that do not music at all, but hopefully my speech they will have some impact. It is my mission to share this with the world, and let them know that there is life on the other side of those dark times, hopeless and helpless. That ld to show the world there is life aafter diagnosis. [applause] say that i am living proof that something can with love, and thrive bipolar disorder. If they get connected with the resources and support as soon as possible. That is why im engaging in a Mental Health engagement and listening tour getting to people like you and the issues that face the Mental Health community. To make it o my part a little easier for others, and reduce the shame associated with Mental Illness. I want to do what i can to make things better for others i become the strongest advocate that i can be. Today we have a chance to make with nami an organization that has been the forefront of advancing Mental Health in this country for decades. [applause] we have seen increased attention to our country is broken Mental Health system past few years, but we have seen very little action. Very clear ssage is it is time for congress to act on Mental Health by supporting the passage of a comprehensive Mental Health bill this year. [applause] i understand that the details around comprehensive Mental Health care are complex. Im not a policy expert in any shape, or form, comprehensive care means that as a nation, we step up efforts to prevent suicide currently the second leading cause of the h for young adults in United States. Comprehensive care means that if a man with Mental Illness diabetes or cancer, his doctors worked together to determine what is the best mind and body. Is comprehensive care also means that if a woman leaves a psychiatric hospital, there is a process in place to make sure that she gets the care needs so she does not end up on k in jails, hospitals, the street, or worse, death. At the heart of it, comprehensive care means that Mental Health system far hes people early, and more often, so that fewer people fall through the cracks. Im so proud to be here with you today. Mental Health Advocates we can make our voices heard. Is simple ssage like you said, keep it simple. Support passage of a comprehensive Mental Health bill this year. [applause] go out there and make today count. Together we will make a difference as we act for Mental Health. Forget to tweet, and post throughout the day, we all know that gives the work going. To right now im so proud of this community today. I want the entire world to know that im proud of everyone in here. Im also proud of myself for getting the help that i need. Have that to. [applause] llongtime advocate for veterans, gary sinese, spoke in october. This is part of cspan special holiday feature on celebrity activists. Now, it is my pleasure to introduce someone who has been an incredible champion not only for this memorial, but for and active duty military personnel and family. What began decades ago as a personal commitment to nations his native home in chicago, quickly involved in a handshake tour in iraq, afghanistan, and around the world. Band so formed a performing for hundreds of troops abroad. Work and ireless dedication, he has been honored citizens president ial the secondhighest civilian award. To ase join me in welcoming the stage, gary sinese. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you, secretary, for that wonderful introduction. Welcome, everyone. Special thank you to all her past and present military here today. An honor to be in your presence. Like to would congratulate the Foundation Board of directors who after a 16 year after brought this memorial to reality. To our ficent tribute veterans. Special knowledge meant late jesse brown. I know he is smiling today. In his farewell address in 98, Ronald Reagan said all the great change begins at the dinner table. It is clear what president reagan meant. Family n these gatherings that one can have a meaningful conversation that stir our convictions, inspire us to action, and bring us to an understanding of what life is really about. Sat at e 1980s, i table, and i began to receive an education of what they during the war, how greatly they fought, and how they felt about the shameful way they were treated when they return home. Imagine it being a risk to wear in public the case for many returning from vietnam