3/12/2024 0 Comments Descended Dusk definitionWhen I stand here this quiet afternoon I shudder to visualize what is actually happening to millions now and what is going to happen in this period when famine stalks the earth. For them all is distorted, all is broken, even ground to pulp. When the designs of wicked men or the aggressive urge of mighty States dissolve over large areas the frame of civilized society, humble folk are confronted with difficulties with which they cannot cope. The awful ruin of Europe, with all its vanished glories, and of large parts of Asia glares us in the eyes. We all know the frightful disturbances in which the ordinary family is plunged when the curse of war swoops down upon the bread-winner and those for whom he works and contrives. To give security to these countless homes, they must be shielded from the two gaunt marauders, war and tyranny. And here I speak particularly of the myriad cottage or apartment homes where the wage-earner strives amid the accidents and difficulties of life to guard his wife and children from privation and bring the family up in the fear of the Lord, or upon ethical conceptions which often play their potent part. What then is the overall strategic concept which we should inscribe today? It is nothing less than the safety and welfare, the freedom and progress, of all the homes and families of all the men and women in all the lands. When American military men approach some serious situation they are wont to write at the head of their directive the words "Overall Strategic Concept." There is wisdom in this, as it leads to clarity of thought. We must, and I believe we shall, prove ourselves equal to this severe requirement. It is necessary that constancy of mind, persistency of purpose, and the grand simplicity of decision shall guide and rule the conduct of the English-speaking peoples in peace as they did in war. To reject it or ignore it or fritter it away will bring upon us all the long reproaches of the after-time. Opportunity is here now, clear and shining for both our countries. If you look around you, you must feel not only the sense of duty done but also you must feel anxiety lest you fall below the level of achievement. For with primacy in power is also joined an awe-inspiring accountability to the future. It is a solemn moment for the American Democracy. The United States stands at this time at the pinnacle of world power. I can therefore allow my mind, with the experience of a lifetime, to play over the problems which beset us on the morrow of our absolute victory in arms, and to try to make sure with what strength I have that what has been gained with so much sacrifice and suffering shall be preserved for the future glory and safety of mankind. Let me, however, make it clear that I have no official mission or status of any kind, and that I speak only for myself. I shall certainly avail myself of this freedom, and feel the more right to do so because any private ambitions I may have cherished in my younger days have been satisfied beyond my wildest dreams. The President has told you that it is his wish, as I am sure it is yours, that I should have full liberty to give my true and faithful counsel in these anxious and baffling times. Amid his heavy burdens, duties, and responsibilities - unsought but not recoiled from - the President has traveled a thousand miles to dignify and magnify our meeting here to-day and to give me an opportunity of addressing this kindred nation, as well as my own countrymen across the ocean, and perhaps some other countries too. It is also an honor, perhaps almost unique, for a private visitor to be introduced to an academic audience by the President of the United States. In fact we have both been educated at the same, or similar, or, at any rate, kindred establishments. Indeed, it was at Westminster that I received a very large part of my education in politics, dialectic, rhetoric, and one or two other things. The name "Westminster" is somehow familiar to me. I am glad to come to Westminster College this afternoon, and am complimented that you should give me a degree. Truman "Sinews of Peace" (Iron Curtain Speech) Listen to the full radio broadcast of the speech with introductions by Westminster President Dr.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |