Lansing Central High School - Oracle Yearbook (Lansing, MI)

Page 15 text:

The Unseen Heroic Song, story and the history of all nations furnish examples of heroic lives. For instance, those of such men and women as Caesar, Napol- eon, Joan of Arc, Florence Nightingale and countless others. Their heroism is presented in many different forms fmilitary. political and religious, or in some great service rendered to humanity. Yet, those whom the world applauds are not the greatest heroes. Pages of history reveal the splendor and the beauty of these prominent lives, furnishing inspiration to the youth of today. But not so well known are many glorious lives of self-sacritice, high. noble purpose. and consecrated duty. Without notice or applause they have glided by. receiving no reward except the gratitude and love of those with whom they came in contact, and the self-satisfaction of service well performed. The world could ill spare them, for they touch those of every class, rank and condition with a mild and gentle in- Huence. lf. then, we judge such men and women as the most heroic. what shall be our standard of heroism? In the early centuries the main element of heroism was physical force. A single great achievement made a man a hero. Fortitude and courage on the field of battle or in the face of death were indeed heroic, but the man who was bravest in such circumstances was often the greatest coward from a moral point of view. The hero is not always the one who receives the greatest applause or who has splendid opportunities. lfVhen a wealthy man has endowed a college, built a church. or given money for some good purpose, he is rightly spoken of with honor but cannot be called heroic. Neither would that teacher or mother he a hero, who gives time and thought tu little children wholly from a feeling of duty. Heroism is not in helping fellowmen simply from a sense of duty or in a way which demands no sacrifice. but by linking our lives with theirs and serving

Page 14 text:

18311. Gen. Houston. with only 300 men. met Santa Ana on the banks of the San Jacinto River. and there the fury of the Texans. fighting for in- dependence. and their homes and families they loved so well. Won the day with odds tive to one against them. Remember the Alamo and Goliadf' was their battle-cry. and when the Mexicans heard the fury of that shout their line wavered for an instant. Like a Whirlwind the troops of the patriots rushed upon them. swept them from their feet. and the whole Mexican line was in a complete rout. Far and Wide they were scattered over the plain. closely pursued by the furious Texans. until at last. wearied out, the Mexicans begged for quarter. Like civilized people and true Americans. the Texans gave them good treatment in return for the cruel murder of their countrymen. Santa Ana himself was captured. and finally recognized tl1e Republic of Texas. and in 1844 she entered the Union. At last Texas was free, but at what a cost! Almost a thousand men perished on the Texan side alone during the struggle. Is it worth all it cost? Yes! cry the spirits of Travis. Bowie and Crockett. Had we a thousand lives we would give them all for the cause of liberty. Yes! shouts the American volunteer of today as he goes forth to death. perhaps, but still with undaunted valor. to the tune of The Star Spangled Banner or America Yesl will the youth of the future cry, if their country has need of them. and in their hearts will re-echo the last words that David Crockett wrote: Luz1H:RTY AND INDE- rifzxoexcic lf'oREyrt1c! .AR'1'HI'1i T. R1-:Asoxi-Lk.

Page 16 text:

them from love and a wish for their improvement. Is it not this which inspires missionaries to leave home and friends for foreign lands to endure privation and loneliness among uncivilized people? Was it not this spirit which gave the Sisters of Charity strength and determination to leave home for a distant and lonely isle in the Pacific ocean to work and live for the lepers there in banishment? The hero is not necessarily one of the world's fortunate beings, but the one who has been through the silent battles. which know the fiercest struggle, and who is ever self-forgetful in the needs of others. seeking the field Where no special greatness breaks the dull tumult of the strife. The self-considerate are not among the heroes. Who would consider the ultra fashionable man or woman who makes amusement and pleas- ure a vocation. a hero? Self-sacrifice is indispensable in the truly heroic and is the foremost element in unseen heroism. Self-sacrifice and unselfishness characterize the highest type of manhoodfand woman- hood. The more a man gives himself to the service of others. the more he forgets selfgthe more noble he becomes. lt is said that in war a soldier is often so devoted to that. in numberless instances. sheer exhaustion he sinks to He who isfaithful and loyal unshaken belief in his cause. and confident even in face of derstands his motive. A cle his cause and love for cou ntry and home wounds received are unnoticed until from the ground and is carried is most deserving. The whether great or small: defeat. He who is truly ar conception of the right from the field. true hero has he stands firm courageous un- gives power to resist the appeal of that which will be detrimental to the life. 'L The bravest battle that ever was fought. Shall I tell you where and when? On the maps of the world you 'll find it not- 'T was fought by the methers of men. What better example can be found of unseen heroism than among the noble, self-denying mothers of our country? Daily toil amidst privation and want to support a family of children. Sacrilices of the necessaries of life to their wants. Such heroic women have brought up famous men. The mention of the mothers of Garfield and Lincoln.