Geneva High School - Viking Yearbook (Geneva, IL)

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FACULTY Our superio ff

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, . h. . -, ,, ,., ,,, N., fa ., ., . .. . - S Y f.,..,,,. -. 671. 4-gf-.-- , - V :vnu Ji 441 211, api WV' ':. SCHOOLS AND DEFENSE The outstanding problem before the Ameri- can people today is the defense of our country and the preservation of the American way of life. In comparison with this all other problems seem insignificant. In these circumstances it is proper that you and I should ask ourselves, What can our high school do in this matter? The dangers which threaten our country are two kinds. The first danger consists of the threat of military force from outside. The second danger comes from within and consists of susceptibility to alien propaganda. This susceptibility arises from a lack of national unity, from a failure to under- stand political, social and economic relationships and from a loss of faith in our country and in the American way of life. In preparing against military force our high school can directly do little. Indirectly and in anti- cipation of the future it can do much. Through its health and physical education program it can build strong bodies which will, if necessary, provide the strength and endurance needed in modern war- fare. In its manual arts, mathematics, science and English courses it can give the fundamental train- ing essential for industrial efiiciency. In its social science courses it can give such an understanding of the principles governing political, economic and social relationships as will prevent our coun- try from embarking upon dangerous schemes which would weaken us as a nation. It is in the creation of conditions unfavorable to the spread of foreign ideologies that the high school can make its greatest contribution to the defense program. By giving an understanding and appreciation of the basic ideals of our democratic way of life, by calling attention to the progressive achievements of our country in the field of social, economic and political welfare, and finally, by presenting the inspiring vision of the American dream of a land, where life shall be richer and fuller and better with opportunity for every man according to achievement and ability,',-by these means can our country be made immune to all subversive propaganda and our citizens be inspired to devote their best efforts to the defense of our country and the preservation of the principles for which it stands. H.M.C. I I or I .,, -,... I Page 7