Benjamin Franklin High School - Electron Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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70 Me Gaduated of Me Weak. 194i: OCCASIONALLY I have an opportunity to see the Yearbook of some other school. At first thought it seems strange, on second thought most natural, that principals writing their little valedictories take c: very similar tone, make almost identical statements and display emotions that are very much of a pattern. It is obvious then, and I ccmnot hope, in the scope of CI few para- graphs, to do much more than reiterate my expressions of regard and high hope for your future careers. As each class left through several recent years, there had to be an element of foreboding because young men were forsqking the routine and pattern of high school days to face a world di:tressed with economic problems and all too few opportunities for desirable employment. This present year finds a world distraught with the clamor of war and the impetuous haste of c: nation trying to overtake the studied preparation of a warlike people that have given themselves entirely to making ready for an FRANKLIN ALMANAC Page 2

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HHHHHHB Jamil: and Jim ynaduatinq 5mm 5214mm Jizanldin 21121;: 5mm JHHUHBU - 1941 '- JUNE

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onslaught on their fellow men. I beg of you to keep in mind the couplet in- scribed on a gateway of an old English school: When lands are gone and money spent, Learning is most excellent. lust lately I have had occasion totattend a number of class reunions Where I found successful men, particularly the older ones, poring over class record books and reviewing the scenes of school days. Incidents, queries and recol- lections flew fast. I cannot help but wonder whether years from now many of you, presently experiencing the sensations of graduation, may not look back With a good bit of wonderment as you attempt to recall our preseht-day world, filled with the alarms and tumult of battle. At the moment we are safe and sheltered and far irom alert to the sufferings and dangers of others. There is an expression, This too shall pass that we are inclined to believe applies to the past, but forget that it is equally true of the present. The colonial wars of our early American history leave us unmoved. Thoughts of the Revolution till us only with pride and patriotism. As a boy and youth, I saw the veterans of the Civil War come to our schools. Somehow, and, rather vaguely, they formed a connection wiih valorous deeds that even then were sinking into oblivion. Today the American Legion shows many elderly men in the ranks who, a few short years ago, with swniging step and keen enthusiasm assumed the burden of national honor. All too soon they will being to step from the stage of active affairs. In a little while, the tragedies of contemporary combat will become a twice-told tale. Some, now reading these pages in the flush and vigor of young manhood, may vaguely recall after the lapse of the years that commencement time in 1941 coincided With these happenings. As we observe the sweep of history, we recall how the Greek phalanx, the Roman legion, the armored knight, the long bows oi Crecy, the charging cavalry of Pickett at Gettysburg, the unflinching defense of Verdun, the blitzkreig of the Battle of France will make way for new and unpredictable strategies. The farewell of today, so fraught with immediate significance, will recede in mem- ory. We are all swept aloan in the inevitable tide of human events. From the hallyot learning you will pass to new experiences and. endeavors, based on the lessons of today, and as a pledge to the future, shun and abhor indifference Be vital. Be unselfish. Accept responsibility gladly; seek strength to use it wisely and well. Our land has a precious heritage. To hold it, we must dedicate ourselves to home, to school, to country and to God. Go forth dedicated to all that is noble and hue, feeling that you carry with you my warmest affection.