St Vincents Academy - Vincentian Yearbook (Shreveport, LA)

Page 33 text:

I SPEAK FOR DEMOCRACY At the door of democracy, the forces of evil batter - but the door yields not, for it is strong. This barrier has held its own against these forces on countless occasions. As long as the American people desire its protection and reinforce it with their support, democracy will not fail them. For as the citizen is dependent upon democracy so also is democracy dependent upon the citizens. The keystone in the arched doorway of democracy is faith - the faith of a people in its leaders, in its government, and its God. On such faith was democracy founded and on such faith has it thrived. Without a flawless keystone an archway will crumble; without faith a democracy will falter and fail. Equal opportunity forms the framework for democracy’s door. In America, every citizen is important. The farmer, the manufacturer, the business man, the professional - all are dependent upon one another to support the giant framework of democracy, every man, woman, and child fits; the failure of one to fulfill his duties may very easily weaken the entire structure. Democracy hinges on freedom of speech and freedom of the preas. As a door cannot swing without hinges, democracy cannot function without those freedoms, for the tongue and the pen are the people s instruments of expression. Democracy encourages every citizen to make use of these of truth, to present his ideas by means of books, newspapers, radio, television. No citizen of a democracy is afraid to speak or publish his opinion, for the laws of his country guarantee him this right. Initiative is the knocker on this strong gateway. Anyone may wield his influence and knock on democracy’s door. Citizens of a democracy are urged to develop qualities of leadership, to exercise their God-given rights, for their advantage and that of all the people. American education provides a peek through the keyhole of democracy a look into the workings of our own government, a look into the affairs of other nations of the world, a look to be taken.at face value and used to advantage. A democratic education broadens the citizen’s outlook and directs his mind to channels of tolerance and understanding. His educariorr illustrates to him that there is always room for improvement. A citizen of a democracy steps over the threshold of political freedom each time thai he exercises his right to vote, in city, state, or national elections. Religious freedom is the foundation upon which the entire structure rests, the base of a well-rounded democracy. Upon belief in God, and freedom to worship Him according to the dictates of conscience, depends the basic strength of any nation. Freedom from fear is the key to democracy for no democracy can exist where there is fear. Opened by confidence, democracy’s door swings ajar smoothly, because all the rage and panic of fear are lost against the strength of this mighty portal. This door, labeled democracy, leads to a better life, to a brighter future, to a broader and more last- ing influence than any other path the world of today can offer. For those who walk through that door and carry with them the principles of true freedom, the door of democracy offers a ray of hope, a promise of a finer, better ordered world. America as a nation cannot walk through that door. Each American must take the vital step for him- self, to discover within those portals the full rich significance of being an American. Bloodshed, strife, weakness, treachery, hate, slink out as tht door of democracy closes with a ring- ing finality. There is no room within a well-ordered democracy for these forces--they must give way to harmony, co-operation, strength, loyalty and love. Accompanied by these virtues, lasting peace will enter in triumph through democracy’s door. Yes, the forces of evil batter at the door of democracy, but the door yields not, for it is strong. This barrier has held, and will hold its own against those forces. As long as the American people desire its protection and reinforce it with their support, democracy will not fail them. MARILYN QUINN School Winner of Voice of Democracy 1953

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A SENIOR’S PRAYER O God, please grant that when I leave These walls that sheltered me And set out with a life to weave — And start my quest for Thee — That I may wield the gift of truth And firm on my convictions stand, And not forget the deams of youth, Shaped by St. Vincent’s guiding hand.

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JUNIORS OFFICERS Ruth Velotta President Barbara Biscomb Vice President Nancy Collett Secretary Nancy Means Treasurer Pat Daly Councilor Marilyn Cloutier Councilor Mary Cousin Councilor MOTTO ‘Love Serves’ FLOWER Lily PATRON St. Joseph COLOR Gold and Brown