Windsor Locks High School - Herald Yearbook (Windsor Locks, CT)

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THE HIGH SCHOOL HERALD 29 same ideals and principles as have always been American—freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to assemble and freedom of the press. Let it be our responsibility, our sacred trust, to keep those ideals alive. Let us honor those war heroes, not for a few weeks but forever by helping them adopt themselves to the work of the nation; make them feel they are needed at home just as much as they were on the battle front. Let us try in every way to avoid the great wave of unemployment which followed the First World War by planning now to open up enough peacetime industries to absorb the great numbers who will be returning to civilian life. It is a great responsibility, but we Americans can do it. Audrey Cummings, ’43. VALEDICTORY THE TASK OF TOMORROW America is now engaged in a total war against all the evils and vices of na .ism, facism and Japanese Imperialism. Each and every American is doing his share both at the frcnt and in the produf tion field to bring us closer to our inexitable goal; international peace. The aim of the United States is to right wrongs and make the world safe for democracy. At tile present time this is our only ambition, but the big question for the future is how shall we keep these conquered people in place. What are ne fighting to create? What will be our method of reconstruction? Some propose a league of nations, while others say we should police the world; in fact, there are many different opinions on this point. I believe we should stamp out militarism, but I also believe that no matter how great a plan may be conceived by our statesmen there is but one means of establishing permanent international peace and concord. This way was recently stated very clearly by the world-famed author and economist, Stephen Leacock, who said “To every child we must give the chance to live, to learn, and to love.” In my opinion the solution to our problem is found in these few words. When the victory is won, older people of the suppressed nations will be so steeped in false ideals, that it will be some time before we can make them see the truth. It is the chidren of these conquered people who must be taught which ideals are for their betterment. It must be instilled into their minds from infancy and they must become well-versed in the benefits of democracy. America must provide a good home, food, and comfort for them. If those children have these things, they will not want to r -bel and peace will rein. Hatred has flourished in the poverty and vermin of the slums. All ihrough history poverty has been the cause ot revolution and war. The rich have dominated and the masses have revolted. If we allow this con¬ dition to take piace. we can never succeed, no matter how irreat a plan is conceived by our statesmen. It will be like building a marble palace on a foundation of timber, for soon the foundation will deteriorate and the whole superstructure will crumble.

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28 THE HIGH SC HOOL HERALD the fear of being a slave, and the fear of ghastly death for us and af our children because of the greed and power of w’ilful and evil men, and deluded nations. We hope that our children may grow to manhood and womanhood free from fear, that they shall have an equal chance to grow and develop and lead the lives they choose to lead. When we yield our sons and brothers to war it is in the trust that their sacrifice will bring to us and our allies, no inch of alien soil, no selfish monopoly, but oniy the privilege of winning the most precious gifts in life—freedom from want, freedom from fear, freedom of speech, and freedom of worship. If our sons and brothers accomplish this, if by their suffering they can carry to all mankind the stimulus of an ordered liberty, it will be the greatest achievement in history. To that purpose they are offering their youth and their blood. To that purpose and to them the rest of us, regret¬ ting that we cannot stand beside them, dedicate the remainder of our lives, keeping in mind our motto—“Victory Through Diligence.” Marjorie Riggott, ’43 THE CHALLENGE OF TODAY All the men and women in our fighting forces know what their challenge today is, but do we, who are left at home, really know what our challenge is? We at home must take the place of those in the armed forces as well as fill our regular work. We may not like the idea of being on various programs and committees for which there is little or no pay; we may not like the gas, butter, meat, shoe and all the other rationing programs; we may not like being told to put a certain per cent of our salaries into War Bonds and Stamps each pay day—but do you think for one minute that our few sacrifices begin to compare with those of the men and women at the fighting fronts? They are fighting to keep their land free from want and fear; to keep their way of life, the right way of life, from perishing. With these ideas in mind it will be easier for us to accept our chal¬ lenge. For those in schools today it is simple; stay in school. The more knowledge you obtain the better equipped you will be to do your part in the future. To you older folks, it is your job to carry on the work started by those who are absent. Ycu also have to keep the younger boys and girls from taking harsh and unwise steps. Teach them and guide them, for they are willing and eager to learn the democratic way of life. In our own hearts we can see our personal challenge of today clear¬ ly outlined. We know we are going to accept this challenge because we sincerely want to do all in our power to make this country and the whole world a better and happier place in which to dwell in future years. We must, however, beware of the danger of too much regulation. Free enterprise is what has made America grow. Those boys who come marching back to us in a few months or years from now want to find the

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30 THE HIGH SCHOOL HERALD Also a new educational syste m must be set up. Languages, math¬ ematics, history, and sciences must be taught for the sake of true educa¬ tion, and not to extol the doctrines of some dictator. A well-informed, well-educated country in which every person has the right to decide af¬ fairs for himself can never come under the rule of a leader with such radical ideas as Adolph Hitler. Because many people in Germany were uneducated, he was able to win them over by flowery words and pompous speeches. We must never allow this to happen again. Finally, we must teach these people to know the worthwhile things of life. They must be made to love freedom, appreciate education, and above all love God and His doctrine of Christianity. Japan is really a pagan country. Before we can reconcile them to American ways a great deal of missionary work must be done. Their pagan idols must be oblit¬ erated and God must be given his rightful place. A Christian world is a peaceful world. As long as men believe in God and Christianity, justice and truth will conquer all. This is America’s task. Every single person should be willing to make personal sacrifices so that our hopes and our dreams will be accom¬ plished. We must keep working, keep fighting,keep praying for America. America must win the peace and America must keep the peace. Classmates, realize your responsibilities as we graduate into a war- torn world. Shoulder your part of the burden and work diligently for our great nation. If we all have this fine spirit, America is bound to succeed. And now Classmates, we have ccme to the parting of the ways, and so I must bid farewell, and may Almighty God look down upon you and shower you with success in all your undertakings and happiness all through life. John Conley, ’43.