Hastings High School - Saxon Yearbook (Hastings, MI)

Page 7 text:

 Dedication. We are proud and glad to be Americans. During this present world crisis a rebirth of patriotism has swept over the nation. The words 'I Am An American” are echoing and re-echoing across the land. From the east to the west Americans arc shouting and singing the words and even whispering them humbly in their hearts. We. the senior class of 1941. find it fitting and proper to dedicate this annual to Americanism. May we ever preserve and cherish not only the words and spirit of our songs but also the principles and ideals of democracy.

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Shout Wherever You May Be ttMtSICHW “ On the street, in the home. In a crowd, or alone. Shout! Wherever you may be. I AM AN AMERICAN, 1 am, from the heart of me. Rich or poor, young and old. Let this message l e told, Shout! Wherever you may be. I AM AN AMERICAN. I’m proud of my liberty. In the fact’ry, in the mill, Thru’ each valley, from each hill. Raise your voice and give America a thrill! On the farms, in the schools, Let’s have one set of rules, Shout! Wherever you may be, I AM AN AMERICAN, I am, ev'ry part of me. l»y iH'riulwloii of «Iu- (iipyrlKht ownw Mcroer and Morri . Inc.

Page 8 text:

What Constitutes A Loyal American? By Mabcllc Hauer Thank God, I I also—am an American.” This quotation was Daniel Webster's expression of patriotic sentiment over a century ago. The words originated much far- ther back than one hundred years ago, however. They were kindled in the hearts of the first American citizens. Down through the years they have been rekindled by the burning desire for freedom, equality, and justice until now they have become a glowing (lame in a dark world. Today in nineteen forty-one the words contain a great meaning. They will con- tinue to retain their great meaning as long as we Americans love our freedom. For we arc the sculptors of America. In our hand lies the power to mold a happier and nobler future for this great nation. Those years after the world war we Americans grew stale. We took our freedom, our splendid opportunities which exist only in a democracy, for granted. The possibility that our rights and privileges could lx1 taken from us was thrust far into the back- ground. The war was over and we had won. The pressure was off and we Americans, being a practical people, assumed our responsibilities and settled down to the plain task of making an honest living. Now that same possibility that we thrust so quickly into the background is rearing its ugly head. It is camouflaged in the shadows of doubt, and fear, hatred, and |)essimism. but nevertheless it is there as an ever-increasing threat to our democracy. This present world crisis has been a re-awakening to America. A new rebirth of patriotism has swept the country almost over night. We thrill anew at the sight of “Old Glory floating majestically overhead and an undefinable something surges within us when we listen to the stirring strains of our patriotic songs. American men and women in every walk of life are shouting way across the continent, Thank God, 1 am an American.” However, it is not merely enough to say that we are proud and happy to l e Americans. We must be genuinely loyal to our country. A loyal American lielieves in our American democracy, lie must favor no other type of government. Kven though democra- cies are in the minority today and conditions for their existence seem dubious, the true American does not lose faith. He looks at the world through rose colored glasses. He is optimistic in his attitude toward America’s future. The true American has courage to face the tomorrows. Our democracy was founded upon courage. The brave band of pilgrims dared to face a lashing wind and turbulent ocean in search of freedom. Those men who fought at Lexington and Concord never gave up their noble cause. The pioneers in the covered wagons who settled the west were confronted with many perils, but still the wagon wheels rolled on. We. too, during this world crisis must possess the same courage, perse- verance, and will. 'Phe loyal American must be willing to defend America, not only through armed resistance, but through many other ways which occur in everyday life. The true American participates in the government and he never fails to vote. Failure to vote goes hand in hand with the spoils system, dishonesty, and cor- ruption in government. The true American drives carefully and obeys traffic laws so that he may help to diminish the frightful toll of motor car deaths. The loyal American works at his job with willingness and efficiency for he realizes that there is no higher destiny in America than to do his task to the l est of his ability. A true American must keep morally and physically fit. Failure to participate in the government, unwillingness to work, inefficiency, avoidable loss of human life, and disease are all enemies of democracy. In a democracy where the people govern, the government cannot retain its strength and prestige if the people themselves become corrupt and indolent. Liberty is given only to those who love it and defend it. A loyal American believes in the advancement of education. The citizens in a democracy where everyone is educated will never allow themselves to become suppressed by enemies. All |K ople possess a natural desire to be free, and there is no place on earth where freedom thrives so abundantly as America. If all the people of the world were given an op|x rtunity to share in education many of the problems of the world would be solved. A loyal American is a loyal Christian. All the traits that are required in the making of a true Christian make a true American. A Christian lives peaceably with his neighbors, he is willing to sacrifice, he is humble. The world needs a widespread return to religion. The nations of the world can never hope to acquire happiness through brutality, autocracy, and revolutions. Per- haps someday, in the not too far away future, the churches can Ik restored through a common, interdenominational creed. This, I believe, would cure the ills of the world. The dreams and visions of our forefathers as to the future of this country cannot become shattered as long as we, and our posterity, believe in America, are willing to defend her, have courage in the future, further the advancement of education, and reaffirm our faith.