Besse High School - Breeze Yearbook (Albion, ME)

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c1!0er1k2fe120Q12f7.s Wessage As this edition of THE CHIEFTAIN was being planned and assembled, I had the privilege of viewing the beautiful division pages and so gained the impression that this volume would carry the broad theme of Americanism. The Staff is to be commended for such a worthy aim. A realization of Russian achievements in science and accomplishments in space has made a sharp impact upon education in America. Greater stress has been placed upon scientific and mathematical fields in our efforts to keep the pace in nuclear, missile, and spatial developments. Important as that is, in my opinion American youth has an even more significant educational objective. That objective lies in the area of social studies. It is my firm belief that next to fundamental religious and moral principles, a most outstanding ideal for yormg people is the acquisition of those social and political concepts upon which this nation was established and by which it achieved its greatness. Call it whatever you will - loyalty, patriotism, love of country, Americanism - this basic emotion should somehow become a vital part of yo1ith's innermost being. For how much real worth to our society is the most illustrious mathematician, the most profound scientist, the most fluent linguist - indeed, any one of us, whether endowed with one or five talents - unless the mind is directed by a heart filled with unwavering devotion to community, State, and nation? Who could bring greater grief, or inflict more devastating injury than that brilliant, highly educated person who will not keep faith withfhis native land, but for Iscariot's thirty pieces of silver, sells his genius to hostile interests. I am hearing history in the making as I consider what to put into this message and how to express it: Colonel John Glenn has been projected into space and is in orbit around the earth. Tremendous risk and dangers are riding with him, yet who can believe that he does not have in his heart that same great measure of devotion which made Nathan Hale voice the regret that he had but one life to give for his country? In a recent obituary, this tribute was paid: Americanism . . . was never more clearly personified than in this man. He worshipped this nation, its traditions, its history, and its people. What a challenge to us, native born Mississippians and Americans! This man, who loved our country so dearly, was born a foreigner! Congratulations to the Staff and Sponsors for producing such an excellent volume, but more particularly for its emphasis on this timely theme of Americanism. MRS- QUAY BROWN. Secretary ELLA JEAN MOORE, Secretary