Natick High School - Sassamon Yearbook (Natick, MA)

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THE SHSSHMU 4 IEEE In our United States, religion is given open expression. It is not suppressed, nor is it a cause of persecution. Some people have been told that God no longer exists for them, and henceforth they must worship the state. We, as Americans, can have no conception of the complete and utter sense of loss that must follow such an ultimatum. Freedom of religion is guaranteed to us in our Constitution. Our idea of education in America is to enable the individual to make the greatest possible use of his abilities and powers. At an age when the young people of many nations are being taught to use weapons of war, we are being equipped with vocational and professional tools. We learn how to live, not how to kill. In America we set a high valuation on peace. Dictators are trying to inculcate the idea in their people that aggressive Wars are necessary and right. Since peace is our objective, we must work actively for it. Our first step is to learn not to judge a country by its radical leaders. We must recall that all people have the same problems as we have here. Parents Over There pray for their children's success and well being, and no doubt they hope as fervently as our parents, that 'teen-age boys and girls will not be sacrificed in any vain war. America will continue to be the right place in which to live if we make intelligent use of our privileges, and in particular, if we use sane judgment about our position in the event of another world war. America is one of the world's mightiest nations, but we do not believe that might makes right . VVe have learned by experience in one World YVar that an attempt to make the world safe for democracyn by Wai, resulted in more grave threats to a permanent peace. VVe are not interested in aggression, for we realize that the last war did not accomplish its objective. Our contribution to America and the world should be to demonstrate right here at home how well democracy can function. The youth of the Nation must carry on the ideals in which it has been trained. VVe pledge that our class will translate into deeds our loyalty and faith in the things which have made America great. u America! America! God mend thine ev'ry Haw, Confirm thy soul in self-control, Thy liberty in law. , Americal America! hlay God thy gold refine Till all success be nobleness, And every gain divine. Americal Americal God shed his grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea. u Cynthia Hope T-elz1nd MQQSE INSTETUTE Ll5FiiQY 14 EFJQT Qffl'JTfiL,LY S, ffgptjy Niillfr 5,13 ,,w

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THE SHSSHMU 4 IEEE As we stand on the threshold of the future, we should realize that we are not experienced men and women but only beginners who equipped with youth, ambition, and a little learning are ready to take up the task which lies before us of increasing our scanty store of knowledge. 'lio those of you who are entering the business world, with its count- less opportunities, do not forget that it will take perserverance, work, and study to obtain a worthwhile position. Do not feel that the opportunity for learning ceases when you leave the care and guidance of your teachers. No matter what the task, you and you alone determine your future -- your success. Always strive to improve yourselves, not only through study but also through obser- vation. 'lihe American laborer has been said to be the most intelligent work- man in the world. He docs more reading and thinking than all the rest of the working men combined. Yet more thought is needed, more inspiration and more ideas. 'lio those who have the golden opportunity of entering various schools Drink deep or taste not the Pierian spring for success should come to those who continue their studies. Do not measure the time spent in learning in hours but in the honor and enjoyment that you receive. The scope of your power and of your success depends upon the scope of your knowledge. Combine study and work and you make life a pleasure. Never let it be said of us that we are completely satisfied with our- selves. .-X man is often content to have won small victories, but as soon as a man is satisfied with himself he ceases to grow. Let us look to the future where countless opportunities for study and work face each one of us. It is with this outlook that we wish to thank our parents, friends, and teachers who have so willingly helped us to accomplish this, our first great step in lifeg and it is our sincere hope that we may be ever worthy of your friendship and advice during the coming years. Charles Dorian VVHAT'S RIGHT WITH AMERICA .Nmericans are among the truly privileged peoples of the earth. Out democratic form of government may have its occasional failings in dealing with the problems of its citizens, but in the broad sense it is a complete success. X real measure of what's right with fXineric:i is what's wrong with Russia, Cierinany, and Italy . ln such countries, the lives of the people are over- shadowed by the mailed fist of might, liberty is crushed, and fundamental human rights have been shackled or obliterated in the name of some totalitarian creed or at the whim of greedy dictatorship. Opinions in our democracy do not have to conform with those of the person in power. as would be necessary if we lived in a dictator nation. In such countries, a dictator's decrees must be accepted with approval, and even among close friends it is not safe to express opinions which differ from those of the government. Imagine living in a country where one is forced by fear to look wifh commendation on brutality and ruthless injustice to a fellow citizen, whose only fault is difference in race or religious belief. .Xmericans enjoy freedom of the press. Xve read both sides of current problems in our newspapers and magazines, not merely the government's inter- pretation of events. lfach citizen has the right to decide for himself what is truth and what is propaganda.

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THESASSA M5339 CLASS SONG :Xb RlfVUlR 'lio lift-'s adventure we now turn our thoughts, .Xnd liid liond adieu to our childhood years. School days will be but memories, Dreams we shall always hold dear. XYe've shared each otherls work and play, lforming lriendships lasting and true. Soon we must part-'liime goes so swiftly on. Our days together are few. XXI-'ll be remembering each happy hour 'liill we nitet again 'llhough we depart, deep in our hearts Memories will remain. Vivian Cant rel-M usic Virginia Clancy-Words CLASS POEM INVICTUS 'llhc long apprenticeship is over now, .-Xnd in the dimly lighted chapel's nave, 'llhe silent group of squires bow, All eager for the coming morn, 'When they will at last their armor don. .-Ks with the day the shadows fade, 'lihc sun touches upon the polished shields, And on their shoulders, the accolade Of knighthood is laid with morning's light. Rise then each one, no longer squire but knight. Receive thy arms and bear them well: 'llhe sword of truth, the spear of honor. And let each one be proud to tell 'lihat through the years he will remain Linsullied by the world's slow stain. l,et life reward a man, a worthy knight, And when the tourneyls lists are closed, Find shield and armor still burnished bright. So quickly then, make fast chain and plate, lmpatiently the prancing steeds await. Nlounr then while the pennons fly, Let the drums roll, the bugles soundg :Xnd as the sun climbs in the sky, 'lihe proud host forms in solid line. Then through the gate. out into the world Rides the Class of Thirty-Nine. Virginia Adams