Woodruff High School - Talisman Yearbook (Peoria, IL)

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cg fmgmwaml As Americans, as citizens of this great Democracy, what a heritage is ours! A heritage based first upon those immortal words in the preamble to the Declaration of lndependence that, All men are created equal, - equal in their rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness , and later vested in the Bill of Rights of the Constitution, wherein we are guaranteed the fundamental privileges of free speech, free press, freedom of assembly and petition, freedom of religion, and right of trial by jury. How different is this heritage of individual freedom which we enjoy, from the cruel persecution and autoc- racy practiced in countries under the iron heel of a dictator! Here, the rise of the individual citizens is all important-While in those unha1ODY Countries, the indi- vidual is nothing, and the power of the state, everything! Yet, as We pause to thank God for the fact that we are Americans, let us remember that everywhere in a democratic society, liberty must be balanced by respon- sibility, equality by capacity, and individual happiness by social welfare. Let us then consider the chance for an education extended to us by this community as our opportunity to assure the preservation of Democracy as a Way of Life in this nation- our opportunity to develop our talents and abilities so that in turn we may become more capable, intelligent citizens, better trained to serve our community and country Well, and prepared to do all We can to guarantee that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. Ten

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U 0 UMNO GLENN L. Fnnnss IOSEPH MALONE VVILLIAM B. STONE BRYANT H. TREWYN President LOUIS O. SEMLOW WALTER I. MILLER GEORGE W. YINGST

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As the theme of our Talisman this year is democratic in nature, my remarks to you stu- dents of Woodruff High will follow that run of thought. During the recent months the course of free men has suffered disaster after disaster. Sur- prising totalitarian strength has been met by unexpected weakness in many democratic coun- tries. Rich and powerful states have been invaded, overrun and conquered with in a few days or weeks. The picture which the world presents to us as Americans and friends of democracy is vivid and terrifying. lf our citizens have no convic- tions in which they believe, democracy will be supplanted. If Americans will not voluntarily obey the discipline of morality, immoral forces will discipline us. If the spirit of sacrifice is lost, the American Way of life will disappear. The school and- church must work out together the salvation of the spiritual life of our people. The freedom of these two institutions will en- dure or fall together. The situation calls for a bold and comprehen- sive program for the defense of American democracy. This program must assume at least three aspects--military, economic and moral. The first two are under the direct supervision of our federal government. The latter is a problem of you and me individually. Everywhere in the schools today, as in our own building, are students, under the super- vision of teachers of wise guidance, who will come forward with great service to the human rage. In our country, the children of the people, of all the people-rich and poor, of every race and creed have their chance. And when thru honest growth, proved merit, and wise leader- ship the pilots of tomorrow take their places at the helm, we want them to be surrounded and supported by fellowmen likewise schooled in the simple and abiding principles of demo- cracy. With this purpose and this faith let us renew our confidence in the destiny of humanity, a hope that cannot fail. reeevfgdee world is suffering from fear, privations, and the horrors of war , when most A does not the thought of I am an American have a deeper meaning than it ever had before? Are we thinking only of the comforts, the advantages, and the privileges we enjoy be cause we are Americans? I-low about the responsibilities that are ours if we are to main tain this freedom that is more precious than life itself? How can we as individuals meet this responsibility? May we not do it in our daily living right here at Woodruff and in our home community by clean thinking, clean liv ing, honest dealings, and respect for the rights of others? Too many feel that they can get by if they do mediocre work, are dishonest and disregard high moral standards. Our nation is just as strong and fine as we as individuals make tt. lt is today facing a crisis, the like of which it has never before been called upon to meet. If all of us do our part to meet this challenge with strength, courage and preparedness as every sincere American should, then I am an American will have a new and deeper significance. Mft Eleven 'r. c. 'corenu zrvnvur c. Mscnormrn Dean of Boys Dean of Girls