The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1937-04-08

first in the regional flag contest held
Friday, April 2, in Kalispel. The con-
testants took written test on the flag
in which Ted got a score of 40 out of SO
possible points This was the highest
score of any contestant. In deelama-
ton he received score of Al making a
total of 80 which was the highest score
in the meet. The next highest score
was that of Billie Beryl Blackwell of
Libby, who had a score of 49, These
two students will go to Helena on
April q to compete in the state contest.
A luncheon was given Friday for the
contestants and their chaperons at the
home of Mrs. Kello.
Because of Ted's good work we are
now giving his speech to you which Is
as follows:
Makers of the Flag
This morning, as I passed into the
land office, the Flag dropped me most
cordial salution. and from its ripping
folds heard it say: Good Morning,
Mr. Flag Maker"
Il beg your pardon. Old Glory /
said, aren't you mistaken? | am not
the President of the United States, nor
member of congress, nor even gen
ernmental clerk
Il greet you again, Mr.. Flag Maker
replied the gay voice, Il know you well.
You are the man who worked In the
swelter of yesterday Strengthening out
the tangle Of that farmers homestead
in Idaho, or perhaps you found the mis-
take in that Indian contract in Okla
homa, or helped to clear that patent
for hopeful inventor in New York, or
pushed the opening of that new ditch
IN Colorado, or made that mine in IL
linois more safe. or brought relief to
the old soldier in Wyoming. No matter:
whatever one of these beneficient in
dividuals you may happen to be, give
you greetings, Mr.. Flag Maker
was about to pass on, when The
Flag stopped me with these words
Yesterday the President spoke a
word that made happier the future of
Ten million poems in Mexico; but that
act looms no larger on the flag than
the struggle which the boy in Georgia
is making to win the corn club prize
this summer.
Yesterday the congress spoke a word
which will open the door of Alaska
but mother in Michigan worked from
sunrise until far into the night. to give
her boy an education. She, too, is
making the flag
Yesterday we made new law to
prevent fiancial panics. and yesterday.
maybe school teacher in Ohio taught
his first letters to boy who will one
day write song that will give cheer to
the millions of our race. We are all
making the flag.
But" | said impatiently, these peo-
pie were only working"
Then came great shout from The
Flag:
THE work that we do is the making
of the flag.
Il am not the flag; not at all am
but its shadow.
Il am whatever you make me, moth
ing more.
dream Of what people may become.
Il live a changing life, life OF
moods and passions, Of heartbreaks and
tired muscles.
Sometimes | am strong with pride,
when men do an honest work, fitting
the rails together truly.
Sometimes droop, for then purpose
has gone from me, and cynically play
the coward.
Sometimes am loud, garish, and
full of ego that blasts judgment
But always, | am all that you hope
70 be, and have the courage to try for
Il am song and fear, struggle and
panic, and ennobling hope.
Il am the days work of the weakest
man and the largest dream of the most
daring.
I am the Constitution and the courts, /
statutes, and statute makers, soldier
and dreadnaught. drayman and sweep,
cook. counselor and clerk
Il am the battle of yesterday and the
mistake of tomorrow
Il am the mystery of the men who do
without knowing why.
Il am the clutch of an idea and the
reasoned purpose of resolution
Il am no more than what you be-
ieve me to be and l am all that you
believe ! can be.
Il am what you make me; nothing
more.
Il swing before your eyes as bright
CLEAN of color, symbol Of yourself, the
pictured suggestion of that big thing
which makes this nation My stars and
my stripes are your dreams and your
labors. They are bright with cheer,
brilliant with courage, firm with faith,
because you have made them so out
of your hearts; for you are the makers