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Page 53 text:
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Page 54 text:
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OUR AMERICAN HERITAGE The clear wintry air of the morning of Janu- ary 20, 1961, served as the background for a memorable moment of history. The tall figure of John Fitzgerald Kennedy ascended the platform steps and stood beside the podium. In a clear voice he repeated the time-honored words of American history: I do solemly swear .... In the space of those few short moments, America had taken a new president, a new leader, a new administration to lead her through the next four years. John F. Kennedy now bore on his shoulders a new and tremendous responsibility -- the safety of the people of the United States of America and, ultimately, of the world. For our youthful president had assumed leader- ship of one of the most powerful nations in the world today-- a nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all -- a nation dedicated to peace. Peace is a very important word today, when trouble spots such as Cuba, Africa, and Asia provoke world-wide disputes. Peace is an important word, when we realize that we live today in an era of nuclear weapons and space missiles, of disarmament and the cold war. As President Kennedy addressed the nation, he said: Let us begin anew the quest for peace before the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction. He spoke to the people of America and to the people of the world in one of the most stirring inaugural speeches ever given as he declared, Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man. These words should inspire each American with a deep feeling of patriotism. The individual citizen should ask himself, What can I do for my country ? There is no one in these United States of America who cannot ask and answer that question, for patriotism does not necessarily imply outstanding deeds of courage and valor performed in the service of one's country, but the seemingly unimportant actions of everyday life, it does not demand fiery speeches and orations, but genuine love and devotion to country, it is not emblazoned in the chosen few who are rich, or who have special talents, but is inscribed in the hearts of every true American. The spark of patriotiem is kindled as school children pledge their allegiance to the flag of America every morning, it burns in the earnest efforts of the college student preparing himself for later life in this country, it flourishes in the men and women in the armed services of America, ever ready to fight to keep that spark burning, it is cherished in the businessman who deals fairly with his clients, it is rooted immovably in the fibre of these people, because they realize that they live in a country which was founded by the blood, toil, tears, and sweat of earlier patriots. Our country came into existence because of a group of determined colonists who fought against over- whelming odds to gain freedom -- freedom of religion, free- dom of speech, and freedom of press. Through their efforts, this great nation was formed, a nation founded on the principles of liberty, a nation which guarantees freedom and equality to its people. Our founding fathers ensured this freedom in two important human documents, the Declaration of Inde- pendence and the Constitution. This all-improtant principle of liberty was emphasized in President Kennedy's inaugural speech with the words, Let every nation know, whether it wish us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend or oppose any foe to assure the survival and success of liberty . . . In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending free- dom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility - I welcome it. This aim can be accomplished because Americans today remember the price which our forefathers paid for liberty. They remember two terrible world wars fought to ensure that this priceless heritage would not fall prey to com- munism, the enemy of freedom. They remember, and look to the future with hope, with courage, with the con- viction that America will always be free and democratic, the friend of peace, the champion of justice. The Statue of Liberty stands majestically in New York Harbor, ex- tending the torch of freedom to oppressed peoples of the world, the symbol of peace, justice and liberty, a proud reminder that America is a free nation. History has recorded the deeds of the more famous men who helped to keep America free. Our founding fathers welded the United States into a pattern which would endure through the centuries, and which would preserve the basic rights of men forever - the pattern of democracy. One name which will be forever linked with the story of America is that of George Washington, who guided this country in its years of in- fancy. His strong capable hands molded America, and shaped her course as the whole world watched. This work which he had begun so competently and surely was continued by his successors and gave history the names which rank among the great patriots of yesteryear: Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and James Monroe. But America can count many men among her favorite sons who were not presidents - Nathan Hale, Henry Clay, Patrick Henry, John Paul Jones and Paul Revere are some of the well loved ones. What made these men so great? The answer lies in their unselfish zeal for the country to which they were devoted and the heroic and self-sacrificing lives they led, so that they set splendid examples for their fellow men. They were willing and eager to run any risk, take any chance, brace any danger if the welfare of their country were at stake. Here we have patriotism in the most perfect sense - love of country to the exclusion of self. True patriotism is firm, constant, and unwav- ering. An example is found in the oft repeated words of Nathan Hale I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country. The spirit of these men has endured through the ages, and will endure as long as the United States of America endures, for she will continue to produce patriots until the end of time, and invisibly woven in her flag are the words of Patrick Henry, Give me Liberty of give me Death. Pamela Weilbaecher '63
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