Evening star., 1942-01-01
Member of the Associated Press.
New Yeur, 1912


Of dynamic preparation for the year
that now begins. All the disastrous
events OF 194l, 1t seems, were needed
for the awakening Of the people Of
the United States to consciousness
of the existing danger to the insti-
tutions OF ordered freedom by which
they live. Previously, they had taken
their liberties for granted. The ira
dition of democracy they regarded
as gift from their fathers, gift
which they received as If it were
natural privilege or a well-deserved
inherent right. Even as recently as
a few weeks ago it was the belief Of
many of them that their country was
exempt from attack. Protected by
two oceans, they considered them
selves and the civilization of which
they were a human part completely
safe from assault from lands afar.
The raid upon the mid-Paciflc out
post Of Hawaii was an awakening
blow to complacency. It unified
the Nation instantly. The cohesive
influence of it is a blessing for which
millions Of intelligent citizens are
grateful. In a single tick of the
clock there sprang into being a uni
versal anger which in itself is a
constructive force of vast creative
power. With jealous wrath there
also rose in the hearts of multitude
a consciousness of justification
which was needed to strengthen the
common endeavor. All such persons
as had been timidly doubtful of the
democratic cause-and 1t must be
conceded that there were more than
a suddenly were released from
their agnosticism. The treachery Of
the Axis aggressors was proven at
the bar of history forever.
Looking back over the twelve
month era which terminated last
midnight, philosophic observer has
ample excuse for rejoicing in the
prelude which fe41 afforded. It
served to create in the national COM
munity the imperative prerequisites
of survival. The people of the United
States now understand that their
freedom is lost unless they preserve
1t themselves. All their liberties, they
realize at last, are gone-except as
they be redeemed by labor and in
battle Even their hopes are in
jeopardy. Serfdom awaits them I'M
less they can accomplish the defeat
OF their ruthless foes.
Set forth in different language,
the prevailing crisis represents the
first great ordeal of living genera
tions of Americans. Men and women
born and reared in comfort and Sc
curity now comprehend what Lin
coin meant at Gettysburg. "A new
Nation, conceived in liberty and
dedicated to the proposition that all
men are created equal" has been
challenged by enemies that seek its
downfall with a bitter passion. I'VE
are engaged in great war,
testing whether that nation or any
nation so conceived and so dedicated
can long endure" and "it is for
us to be - dedicated to the great
task remaining before us-that we
''' highly resolve that this
Nation, under God, shall have new
birth of freedom-and that Govern
ment of the people, by the people,
for the people shall not perish from
the EARTH"
The struggle is only begun. 1t
may not be concluded but it Ger
1tainly will be carried forward dur
ing 1912. With quickened faith in
Providence, in America and in Amer
ica's Allies, in our fellows and in
ourselves, we march to meet our
destiny. 1.-THE command is: For
,s1,o rJDH