Axton High School - Axtonian Yearbook (Axton, VA)

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DEMOCRACY; A LIVING FLAME We, the senior class of 1944, salute you. Here we are at last graduates. Our dream of four long years has been realized and the time of our departure from Axton High School is at hand. This will truly be commencement for all of us because tomorrow we enter another world. We enter a world of war — sufiering, d5dng and glory. Upon our young shoulders more than ever will fall the task of winning this, war and establishing a better world in which all nations are free and independent. We will play the most important part in this because these are the principles upon which our nation was founded. In the history of no other country has democracy played a more brilliant part. May I review for you a portion of this history: The United States was settled by people of not one but many nations, people who sought refuge from tyrannical rule, people who sought freedom. They found this freedom in America. When, after a short time, their rights were challenged, they fought; and because they were fighting for a just cause, they won. The Revolution marked the end of all tyrannical rule in America. Democracy prevailed. In the years that followed, America grew and prospered. The United States became renowned among the nations of the world. We stood out as a nation whose government was different from that of others. We grew to be a powerful nation whose rights were respected. Europe was constantly thrown into a tumult of war and conflict, but on this side of the world, everything was peaceful. Manufacturing developed and) with it both interstate and foreign commerce. Our products were sold all over the world and the profits reaped were ‘great. Then in 1914 clouds darkened the peaceful horizon. In Europe a dictator arose, Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany. His aim was to rule the world and he presumably set out to do so. At first we paid no attention to this. It was merely another war in Europe, we thought; but this time we were wrong. England and France, the principal nations fighting against Germany, were good markets for our products. Germany, realizing this aid, began to sink our vessels bound for English and French ports. No chance was given for the crews of these ships to be saved; all were lost! America awakened and, realizing her menace, gave Germany warning that our neutrality and rights must be respected, that no more American lives must be taken. This warning went unheeded. The ruthless and inhuman treatment went on. We knew then that there was no alternative. We must fight to keep the flame of democracy, glowing! In his war message to Congress, April 2, 1917, President Wilson spoke these words to be echoed by millions cf American citizens, “The world must be made safe for democracy. Its peace must be planted upon the tested foundations of political liberty ' . . . . We shall fight for the things nearest our hearts — for democracy, for the rights of those who submit to authority to have a voice in their own government, and for the rights and liberties of small nations ” With Wilson’s words ringing in its ears, the nation went to war. Armies were raised; munitions manufactured; and soon American doughboys went overseas to fight. During the hard bitter campaigns that followed they did not falter, though many lost their lives. In less than two years Germany was defeated and peace was signed. Democracy had been preserved! After the war the United States resumed its old mode of luxurious living. Dis- armament followed, but peace reigned only for a short time. On the calm eastern horizon a dark spectre of absolute government appeared. Once more, after so much had been sacrificed to make the world safe for democracy, the forces of aggression began to arise. Japan, who had been trying to extend her territory for some time, occupied Manchuria. That was in 1931 and the fire that was kindled on the shores cf Asia was lighted anew in the beer halls of Munich, where an Austrian paper hanger abandoned his name of Shickelgruber and became known as Adolph Hitler, the leader of the blood-thirsty Nazis. In 1933 Hitler and his Third Reich overthrew the German Republic and established themselves as rulers. The flame of aggression and total war burned brighter. Benito Mussolini in Italy tried to extend his power by the conquest of Ethiopia and Albania. All this time the rest of the world was asleep. The United States failed to notice the dark shadow over Europe and Asia that was soon to cast its gloom over us. Events moved rapidly. In 1938 Hitler started his march by taking Austria and soon six more helpless countries had fallen. Japan, Italy, and Germany banded themselves together and became known as the Axis Powers. Finally, in the spring of 1939, Great Britian and France awoke and realizing the seriousness of the

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“Libby,” and youll be chief artist at Macy’s on Fifth Avenue. My, here’s Clifford Stone, our class giant! He’s kind hearted, generous, sympa- thetic and magnetic. He’ll probably be head of the Farmers’ Organization of Henry County and promoter of a new kind of hay which cuts itself and crawls to the barn. Doris McGuire is very methodical. She keeps her own secrets and her friends’ secrets, so she’s especially fitted for the position of checking clerk at Du Font’s new nylon plant. Well, it looks as if I’m next. My sign says “surprise” and that suits me. FRANCES E. HAWLEY. a GOOD-BYE (Music: “Good-Bye, My Lover, Good-Bye”) The time is passing fast away Good-bye, my classmates, good-bye. We may not meet for many a day. Good-bye, my classmates, good-bye. My thoughts will often be of you, Good-bye, my classmates, good-bye. To Axton High, you must be true. Good-bye, my classmate ' , good-bye. We’re leaving here to see the world. Good-bye, Alma Mater, good-bye. Our banner of learning is unfurled, Good-bye, Alma Mater, good-bye. We’ll think of you each passing day. Good-bye, our friends, good-bye. Before we go we want to say, Good-bye, everybody, good-bye. —ELIZABETH WAGNER. - o- AXTON HIGH SCHOOL LOYALTY SONG Music: “Maryland, My Maryland” We raise our voices in song to thee, Axton High, cur Axton High- In praise of vou we all agree, Axton High, our Axton High! Amid the shrubs thy halls are set. Wherein we pcnder hard, and yet The best of everything we get. At Axton High, our Axton High! The years will come; the years will go. At Axton High, our Axton High! But this will e’er be true we know At Axtoh High, dear Axton High! ’Neath shii .tng sun and heavens blue. Where’er we are, whate’er we do. We’ll still be thinking oft of you Axton High, dear Axton High!

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situation, declared war on the Axis. France, totally unprepared, fell; but Britain held firm, supported by a great ally, Russia. The United States still preserved its nuetrality. “We did not wish to be drawn into another war,” we said. In the summer of 1941, however, when it began to look as if we might be drawn in eventually, we thought we had better prepare. Then came the day which will go down as one of the blackest days in our history — December 7, 1941, and Pearl Harbor. Twenty-seven hundred soldiers and sailors were hurled into eternity and a score of ships and planes destroyed. America, the guardian of the fundamental rights, had been attacked by the samurai aggressors. The following day President Rocsevelt, like those who preceded him, upheld all the principles of democracy by asking Congress to declare war against Japan. A few days later we also accepted Germany’s challenge. Today everyone in America is fighting in some way for the ultimate victory that will be curs. When we attain this victory, we will try to make sure that this time aggressiveness is abolished. The mistakes of the past must not be repeated. The brave men who so willingly gave their lives for democracy surely have not died in vain because, as America marches on, our voices repeat these words to our honored dead. “Fear not that ye have died for naught; The torch you threw to us we caught. Ten million hands will hold it high, And freedom’s light shall never die, We’ve learned the lessen that you taught In yonder field.” Yes, the fires of dictatorship and aggression will soon go out; but democracy, the living flame, will burn on, inspired by the youth of today, the citizens of tomorrow! ELIZABETH RUMLEY, Salutatorian.