Bradley Central High School - Ocoeean Yearbook (Cleveland, TN)

Page 15 text:

ROBERT E. LEE Great crises often breed great men. The War Between the States produced Robert E. Lee as well as Abraham Lincoln. Bom of a family that had rendered outstanding service to Virginia and the nation, Lee represented the full flowering of southern civilization. He possessed those physical graces which Lincoln so notably lacked—perfection of figure, erect- ness of carriage, and a pleasing countenance. Another great Southerner, Alexander H. Stephens of Georgia, described him as “the most manly and entire gentleman I ever saw.” Lee decided to follow a military career. He attended West Point and served with distinction in the Mexican War. With the opening of the War Between the States, however, the most important chapter of Lee’s life began. Though a splen- did career undoubtedly awaited him in the Union Army, Lee chose to defend the Southern cause. During the four years of combat, he became the outstanding military figure in the Confederate forces. Some of his success was due to his mili- tary skill, but it arose as well from his power over his men. His grip over his soldiers is best appreciated when one re- members their affection for him in defeat as well as in vic- tory. Northern and foreign critics have been generous in their praise of Lee’s military achievements. One military expert has described him as “one of the most famous of the world’s great generals.” With the return of peace, Lee sought quiet and relief from the cares of public service. He expressed loyalty toward the United States government. Though saddened by the misrule of the reconstruction governments, Lee did not give way to pessimism nor bitter criticism. He became president of the college now known as Washington and Lee, where he displayed the same qualities of leadership that he had shown on the field of battle. Thoughtful, kindly, great-hearted, Lee had a lofty understanding of obligation to duty.

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ABRAHAM LINCOLN Abraham Lincoln’s life has a unique appeal for the Amer- ican people. Part of this springs from the prominent role he played in our country’s history. His election to the Presidency in 1860 helped to bring on the crisis of secession. With him lay the weighty responsibilities of guiding the North through the grim war years. Furthermore, the tragic circumstances of his death struck at the heart of the American people. However, Lincoln’s appeal rests largely on other grounds. For example, his life illustrates in an unusual way the Amer- ican ideal of unlimited opportunity. Born under conditions of poverty and hardship, Lincoln rose from the log cabin to the White House through his own worth and achievements. Though deprived of any real educational opportunities, he became a master of the English language. His inaugural ad- dress and his Gettysburg speech display not only clear think- ing but rare simplicity and beauty of expression. Lincoln’s appeal also rests on his great human qualities. A commoner himself, Lincoln never lost contact with the common people. His sense of humor and his gift for story- telling have resulted in a wealth of Lincoln anecdotes. He was kind and tolerant toward all. Though the responsibili- ties of the war rested more heavily upon him than upon any- one else in the North, he never displayed the hatred and bit- terness toward the South that men of lesser character did. No matter how pressing the affairs of state might be, he always found time to listen to the plea of some heartbroken wife or mother. The tragedy is that, despite these great hu- man qualities Lincoln was a lonely man, often misunderstood and frequently unjustly criticized.

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t-11 ; 0 i—i02hH c 5 c d • Without character all doors are closed, no matter how talented an individual may be or how much knowledge he may have. Character is not gained by taking certain courses, by reading good books, or by walking and talking with good friends. Character is the sum total of a person’s reaction in meeting life’s problems and emergencies. Remember, your best chance for success in life rests in the quality of character you are developing. Make the decision now that character shall be your most important goal, and it shall be your greatest possession.