Natick High School - Sassamon Yearbook (Natick, MA)

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THE SASSAMON 17 justice and protection. The realization of this peace depends on its acceptance by all. In this new world there must be free and constant trade to give an equal dis- tribution of the fruits of man's labor. Unnecessary trade barriers. hampering the flood of goods, must be broken down. ln view of our huge national debt our own standard of living cannot be main- tained unless the exchange of goods move more freely over all the world. As a nation we must make up our mind for the kind of world we want and with enthusiasm strive to form a sane and intelligent organization to govern this world. The United Nations is the hope of mankind and upon our land falls the great task of convincing the world, through our leadership, that the purpose for which the United Nations was conceived can finally be achieved. This is our great obligation,-our great opportunity. Nye cannot remain an Island of Prosperity in a Sea of Misery. The eyes of a war-weary world are upon us, praying with renewed hope and faith for liberty and justice. To aid the discouraged in their devastated land, we must work with understanding, striving for this goal. Only in this way' will we prove our right to the great heritage of Freedom. Gnouoif: Fai-Qoitgiuciq Bucsriiv. 1 4 f FAREWELL ADDRESS The curfew has tolled the parting of another day and with a deep sigh of regret we are about to leave those happy- recollections of yesteryear, years which will prove to be the most contented and carefree of our lives. During otll' progress along the way we will encounter scores of new friends. but the ones that will remain closest to us are the old friends. Many of us of the graduating class as time rolls on will compete with our fellow contemporaries for various positions: f'XYe'll see a gleaming star somewhere, Pathos-wisdtim-charity XYill lead us on our way, Xkvith sympathy, love and courage sublime, Seeing immortality all the day. Fellow classmates! We have been given a firm foundation on which to huild. Lord, grant that we make the most of that great advantage! Treading along the course, we will always cherish the reinembrances of this evening and will await anxiously the moment when once again our thoughts will be renewed in class reunions. From this day forward we will have joined the multitude of people seeking new adventures in this disturbed world. Great industrial agitations and unchecked exploitations of capital threaten our national structure. These difficulties require man's utmost ingemiity to suppress. The incompetent, daring, dishonest politician must pass. We have too often noticed these characters usurp the station of patriots. This circumstance has been so frequent that men have ceased to concern themselves

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I6 THE SASSAMUN ADDRESS OF WELCOME l'arents 'lleaclierss elfriends: lt gives me pleasure as l'resident of the Class of 1947 to welcome you to our graduation exercises. 'llllis evening we are gathered here together as a class unit for the last time. Yery shortly each one will go his separate way. We are very grateful to you parents, teachers, who through your patience and gttidance, have made our education possihle. llc stand ready and willing to accept the challenge of responsilmility and you will not find tis wanting. We hope we may make you proud of Us and that whatever we may do, we the Class of 1947, will prove to you that we liavt-.prolitetl hy your leadership and are hetter citizens of the great tomor- row hecause ot your example. 1 1 f HCAN AMERICA MEET THE CHALLENGEIV' 'lihe lfnited States of America faces a wonderful opportunity for bringing permanent peace to the entire world. Vie. alone, the greatest exponents of free- dom, remain the natural arhiters of peace among nations which are seeking enor- Illolls retrilmutions to pay the price of war. We must continue economically and militarily strong, not to antagonize, but to reassure all people of the determination and sincerity in our aims for peace. 'l'he secrets of the Atomic Bomh must rightfully remain in our guardianship lo guarantee all against the devastating horror of a third world war. Aid must he sent to the starving children in Europe, for the future world will hg the world they make. 'l'o save them now will insure us friends tomorrow. liut what does this aid mean to America? A lower level of living? Unem- ployment and scarcity of the needed things of life? These questions are drum- heats tif pessimism and as depressing as a clirge. The answer is work-opportunity for employment and an equitable income for each willing lahorer. Xyithin our own land prejudices that cause strifes must disappear. Often we talk of freedom, forgetting the mocking paradoxes that surround us. We must ueave a strong cloth of justice that will cover rich and poor, black and white, Jew and tlentile, foreign and native-horn. Unly if we guarantee equal rights to all .-Xmericans may we he qualilied in huilding a foundation of democracy on a world hasis, lluriug the war years many Americans were willing to endure sacrifices that we might have peace. Now discouraged and fearful, they are desperately struggling through strikes, disputes, and economic coercion to regain and enjoy once more all the privileges of a great democracy. Nu one nation can remain secure and prosperous in a panic-stricken worldg therefore, we must lalior unceasingly to huild a structure of peace which no one could successfully challengeg a world court that will completely liberate all people from destructive passions, greed and lust for power. 4 Peace must he planned on a universal liasis. A new world must he created- a new spirit in which nations will learn to approach their difficulties with mutual tolerance. liears of aggression niust cease to exist. Smaller nations must have

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IS THF SASSAMON with matters political. But now they must act. They see that the nation is totter- ing, bulging under the strain. 'llhey have come to realize that the ancient prophesy uf Revolution is not an impossibility. XYhcn Faith is lost, when Honor dies the man is dead. Xte need another Lincoln just now and a host of self-sacrificing, brave, wise patriotic men who can take the good old Ship of State and haul her over on the true course. ln the words of Thackeray: 'tUh, be humble, my brother, in your prosperity! Be gentle with those who are less fortunate, if not more deserving. Think, what right have you lo be scornful, whose virtue is a deficiency of temptation, whose success may be a chance, whose rank may be an ancestor's accident, whose prosperity is very likely a satire. 'llhroughout our scholastic career teachers have endeavored to instil into our daily actions, kindness as a watchword. Ella XYheeler XYilcox penned the lines: So many Gods. So many creeds, So many ways that wind and wind, XYhile just the art of being kind is all this sad world needs l The three years at Natick High School have been for most of us enjoyable years. A greater portion of the credit for our pleasant experience goes to the untiring and devoted efforts of our teachers. lt is difhcult to describe sufficiently the helpfulness and understanding that they have so generously showered upon us. Adequate words to express our appreciation are sealed in our hearts, words which perhaps never could be expressed properly, yet they are as precious gems that will remain with us forever. lt is with thank fulness and deep gratitude that we, the class of 1947, extend to the faculty our profound feeling of appreciation. As we pass into our chosen fields the time is ripe for an abundance of clear, diplomatic action. Xte, the new edition to the world's builders. have a tremendous task ahead of us. Each individual possesses a vital cog in the wheel that is attempt- ing to grind out eternal peace. lt need not matter how small or insignificant the job may appear to be, its successful completion will influence significantly man's attempt for universal harmony. .lust as the winning of an athletic contest requires each man's skill and perseverance, the quest for lasting serenity requires each man's utmost effort. XYe must lind the proper road and pursue it faithfully, together. The fate of this world is in our hands. Classmates! Let us prove to ourselves and to all mankind that we are masters of our fate. Klay we realize our dreams and ambitions, but never at any time should we forget our training. lf some of us do not reach the heights-if some should meet with disillusionment by the way, try remembering that there are still many things in this world worth while. lt is easy enough to be pleasant, XYhen life flows by like a song, But the man worth while is one who will smile. Xthen everything goes dead wrong. For the test of the heart is trouble, And always comes with the years, And the smile that is worth the praises off earth, ls the smile that shines through tears. NOWELL JONES.