Somerville High School - Radiator Yearbook (Somerville, MA)

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Class Oration DEFENCE OF THE AMERICAN IDEALS OF GOVERNMENT NO SUBJECT more appropriate could be chosen for our consideration on this occasion than that of the de- fence of the American ideals of govern- ment. As youth is a period of prepara- tion for manhood and womanhood, the present is a fitting time for us to equip ourselves with the essential knowledge of the duties of citizenship that we may in the near future participate actively in the preservation of American institutions and American government. Clothed with the invincible armor of that knowledge and bearing the bright shield of true patriot- ism. we shall take our places as the leaders of tomorrow. In our preparation for this worthy task we must acquaint ourselves with the sub- versive forces that would bring destruc- tion to our American form of government. The most dangerous foe of our American democracy at the present time is Commun- ism. The aim of Communism is the aboli- tion of the Constitution of the United States and the suppression of human rights and property rights guaranteed by that sacred Constitution. If I were to tell you the history of the subversive communistic forces working within our country, my words would scarcely cause a wave in the ocean of elo- quence. Were I to ask your aid in com- bating the communistic serpent that is rearing its ugly head in “the land of the free and the home of the brave ' I would be but doing my duty towards safeguard- ing America from our foes within and foes without. Patriotism is love, respect, reverence, and devotion to one’s country; the insid- ious forces that are working against this country can be termed nothing but the di- rect antithesis of this lofty virtue. Communism embraces doctrines and be- liefs alien to every element of American- ism, and is content to allow its teachings to flood the country with subtle propa- ganda and gradually undermine our gov- ernment. But our government will not be under- mined. Our great American Constitution, insti- tuted by the fathers and patriots of the American Revolution, and handed down to us through the years, will always survive, and in its survival are the hopes and ideals of future years. The most effective weapon against Com- munism is Patriotism—that lofty principle bequeathed to us by the framers of the Constitution, born of the struggle for inde- pendence of thirteen united colonies. Shall we prove faithless to the trust imposed in us by our Pilgrim forefathers, to the high ideals of civic and religious liberty of the Calverts of Maryland, and to the pioneers that opened up the far West to carve out for us a nation extending from ocean to ocean ? Shall we prove ourselves unworthy of their labors and sacrifices? We as children in the grammar grades, in a more or less mechanical or perfunc- tory manner, saluted our American flag and pledged allegiance to the republic for which it stands. And then as we went along in school the true meaning of the flag was brought home to us. We love, not a piece of cloth, but the principles and ideals for which it stands. The Red in our flag is emblematic of courage, representing the precious life blood of our soldiers shed on the battle- fields while safeguarding America. Is the Red in our Star Spangled Banner to be the red of the Communistic flag? The White in our flag, symbolic of purity, will it be sullied by the immoral and impure smirch of Communism? The Blue in our national emblem, signifying loyalty, will it be trampled upon by the sinister forces of the Red Army? These three great char- acteristics — Courage, Purity, Loyalty — so indicative of American patriotism, will they be blotted out by Communistic hosts? It is with little concern that we high school students today regard Communism We remain passive as our elders cope with the alarming situation which it presents, feeling that our lives are not affected. But in this respect we are laboring under a delusion. As the next generation, as the leaders of the future, it is imperative that we arm ourselves against this unseen enemy. We leave Somerville High School

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Senior Class History As timid and amazed Sophomores we began our brilliant careers in Somerville High School, September seventh, 1933. After we received Mr. Avery’s official welcome we realized more fully the importance of our motto, “Honor and Progress,” and eagerly strove to hold high its ideals. We chose for our executive committee: Avis Jerrett, Edward Greeley, William Porter and Mary Guthrie. The first edition of the “Radiator” ever to be put forth by Sophomores was under the guidance of the Sopho- more Editor, Sherman Cole. In the success of our Sophomore Dance, we proved to be leaders and loyal supporters in the social activities of the school. “Time Marches On!” We returned after an all too short vacation, as Juniors, with renewed determination to maintain the lofty standards set by preceding classes. We elected as officers: Edward Greeley, president: Avis Jerrett, vice-president; William Porter, treasurer; and Mary Guthrie, secretary. With great pride we rejoiced with those of our class who attained membership in National Honor Society. A colorful and clever “Junior Radiator” was edited by our junior editor, Phyllis Robinson. Jun- ior Night, the social climax of the year, was surely a most brilliant and unforgettable affair. The Junior Night Committee, consisting of Phyllis Humphrey, Effie Wilson, Louis Bernicchi, Paul Nash, and the capable directors were to be congratulated for the success of the evening. Again, the following September, we returned as dignified, serious Seniors, and as such, we began another successful year by electing the same officers. On March sixteenth the Senior Play Committee, consist- ing of Phyllis Robinson, Chairman, Virginia Morong, Charles Clough, and the cast did a creditable piece of work in the presentation of “The King Rides By.” Then on June fifth came Class Day, the most colorful event of the year, and Senior Night, the gala affair in the life of every Senior. On June tenth we reached Graduation, the impressive occasion bringing to an end our high school career. The end is now marked by our diploma, which we shall make our badge of honor and solid achievement. We cannot express, fully, our sincere thanks and appreciation for the prudent guidance and splendid education given to us by our teachers. Mary Guthrie, Secretary.

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this year with a feeling: of regret at part- ing from pleasant associations, yet with a sense of satisfaction in having success- fully completed our preparatory course. The problem, fellow classmates, is one that will face some members of the Class of 1936 immediately upon graduation from Somerville High School, when they enter business or industry, and confront all of us in a few short years. Sympathetic- teachers, our faithful guides and counsel- ors for the three years now drawing to a close, will not be at our sides to lead the way, it will be for us then to mark the path and share the responsibilities of gov- ernment and economic life. And as future citizens we must solve the problems which will await us. No longer will our course be strewn with the helpful advice of par- ents, teachers, and friends. No, we must make our own decisions and abide by them. Communism is subtle. While the Com- munists on the street corners of our large cities carry on vigorous assaults on the susceptible minds of the average unem- ployed, we easily discern the insane doc- trines of Communism. But when our be- loved Nation becomes saturated with the doctrines of various movements such as the “anti-war” and “peace at any price” movement, we fail utterly to note in them the sinister, deceitful, and hidden attacks of the Russian Soviet. Peace-loving men and women wholeheartedly supporting these synthetic movements, believing themselves to be in the right are in truth apostles and advocates of Communism. True, they are unwittingly made the dupes of the fiendishly clever leaders of the Red Army, who, veiled in their hypocritical garb of Peace, advocate complete disarma- ment for the entire world, while they, themselves, increase their own offence and defence tremendously. From the pages of the official Commun- istic organ come the vivid words:— “No precautions or preparations for the defence of the fatherland should be tolerated.” and yet does the Soviet Union, so steeped in evil, practice what it preaches? The answer is inevitable. Russia has never been so adequately prepared for any con- flict as at the present time. To reduce other nations to a minimum of defence, while arming themselves to the maximum power, is the desire and plan of the Com- munistic foes. Communism is a reality. It is not a fantasy, or the hallucination of a disturbed mind, but a stern, grim reality. The reality of Communism is shown in many ways. In the coal mine sections of our country, in the factories and foundries, and wherever justifiable strikes occur, there are to be seen the despicable disciples of the Red horde. As strike breakers, hired to intimidate the workers in their demands for better conditions, they arouse bitterness and strife through- out the land. As rebellious workers they instill in the hearts of the laborers a hatred and an antagonism toward the em- ployer, which culminate in bad blood be- tween employer and employee. The re- cent disastrous famine in China was at- tributed directly to the Red Army which invaded the country and devastated entire provinces, wiping out all crops, livestock, and every vestige of life. In this ruth- less manner, 15,000,000 people were slain by Soviet marauders. China, beset by these oppressing obstacles, arose in might and drove her despicable foes from the land. Shall we wait until eight per cent of our citizens have met a similar fate, or shall we arise in perfect unity as defenders of our democracy and stamp out the seeds of Communism that are finding root in the soil of our beloved land? Communism with its hatred and jeal- ousy for patriotism has reared its ugly head within the confines of our shores and is gradually seeking to undermine our country. It may be compared to a cancer- ous growth gnawing at the very vitals of the State. Can the doctrines of the Soviet Union surpass our zealous patriotism? A vehement denial by one hundred and twenty million Americans should be and will be the answer. When patriotism is mentioned we think of Washington, “the Father of our Coun- try,” surrounded by his loyal little band surviving the hardships of the severe win- ter at Valley Forge; of Lincoln, the Great Emancipator, in his determined stand for the preservation of the Union and the freedom of the slaves; of McKinley, call- ing for volunteers in the conflict with Spain, and the splendid manhood of America who responded with a will and served faithfully on land and sea; of our courageous doughboys on the battlefields of France; at the Argonne, St. Mihiel, Chateau Thierry — thousands shedding their true red blood on foreign soil while guarding our glorious democracy. These and countless other patriotic deeds have