Elmira Free Academy - Torch / Sagoyawatha Yearbook (Elmira, NY)

Page 15 text:

TO THE CLASS GF 1945: The following lines are so written, that as you read them, you may as I am sure you will want to, see in them a statement of principles to which you give your personal, loyal adherence: I am an American. . I believe in a government of law as set forth in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. I believe in the equality of men before the law. I oppose all political and economic discrimination between men on account of race, color or religion. I stand for tolerance, free speech, freedom of conscience. I believe in democracy, the right to choose my rulers and to help formulate the laws that govern the citizens of this nation. I believe in safeguarding the rights of the minority. I believe in free education for all, according to ability and talent I believe in the right of each individual to a chance to develop the best that is Within him. l would see my country accept leadership, not to dominate, but to work with other nations, so that in my day and generation the world may move nearer a real community of nations in which international rivalry, hatred, and war will find no place. Il! 1 W I know that if I would see these principles in practice I must accept the sober responsibilities of citizenship and strive to set, if need be, the common good above my own advantage. I am mindful of the sacrifices during .170 years of American his tory, symbolized by Lexington, Gettysburg, Chateau Thierry Ardennes, and Tarawa. I have a deepening sense of the great responsibility that faces my nation both at home and abroad in the days when this war shall be over. I hope that I may do my part in solving our domestic problems and in achieving and maintaining a lasting peace among all nations if Ili ll' This is what I mean, when with pride in my national heritage I say I am an American. To all of you, to those who are still in school and to those who have left to join the armed forces, your teachers give their best wishes for happy and successful lives as honorable and useful citizens of our country Sincerely yours,

Page 14 text:

' n ,ff X ,' Af is J lf If f Four years is Il short tinlc in which to Luke full advalitage of all our principal has otfcred us hy his interest. friendship, and guidance. Most sincerely we thank Ur, Hehnlqamp for his mani- fold services to our class. our school. and our country, above and beyond the Call of duty.

Page 16 text:

Ma. Gee? 'lla Mr, Carly xxx- wish ln cxtcncl our gI'C1llL'Sl zulxmlimliml for his zlssucizlli :mfl curncst ccmccrn in our class. Ma. Kahn Deep appreciatimm we wish lu express to Mr. Kcrhn for his interest in our school :wlivilies during' the four yczxrs we haw spent in the .'XCZiilt'lTlj'.