The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1942-01-15
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What needs bit of saying today is that the
good people of this community want and need
and must have in future Tacoma Civilian De-
Tense corps that will be going concern, just as
it has been in the past.
And l hope | may lend hand toward that end by
directing few remarks to members of this very
sary voluntary organization all the while being presumptu
enough to express the hope and belief that speak
general at least for majority of the residents Of this city,
First of all, Civilian Defenders, do not be so
deceived as to believe that our public has per-
mitted itself to be blinded by squabble, amongst
your leaders and political heads, to the very
necessary work you have been doing and the
value thereof
No quarrel of this kind from the records the
magnificent fact that 10000 of you stepped forward to
serve when the call went forth.
No dispute who shall and who shall not
wear uniforms, over who shall sport military titles and
who shall not who shall drill in military manner
and who shall not, dim the ustre of the splendid
acuaes that you have served unsefishy and ready
to continue so serving.
Transcendng all petty differences very human though
they be and perhaps typical too. is the stark
reality that this community greatly needs continuation Of
self saccial service because in the possible ong
is fiery day night when good shepherds, trained to
their saffs with skill, may indeed be the desperate
need Of flock, shaken and bewildered and wounded
Do not think, defenders, because you have been
pulled and hauled about in public meetings at
the City Hall and elsewhere, that the people of
this community regard you and your job lightly.
Our people are not so callous, not so Indifferent,
not so ungrateful.
When the blackout lowers us, with its message
of mothers and children and troubled fathers rest
easier in their darkened homes because they know
air raid wardens patrol the dangerous streets in the outer
gloom.
They feel because they know your lOokous
the skies in search of the aerial invader.
They find it easier TO be hopeful in the knowledge that
your anncendares demolitionists your first aid
squads ready alleviate possible effects Of the bombs
earthward plunge.
Most of you, know, had no direct knowledge
about, no direct contact WITH the recent meet
ings and parleys and wearisome intrigue that
resulted in change at the apex of your organi-
Zation.
Most of you were too busy doing your defense work
to pay great deal of attention to all of this most of you
understandable greatly interested because
ambitious for leadership yourselves; most of
just wanted opportunity to continue with task you had
periodically and emotionay in the spiritual sense gath
cred willingly unto yourselves
This, | believe, is well understood by your fellow
citizens. defenders.
Your fellow citizens know that who aspire to
leadership plentiful the lamps you darken when
the red light Of danger glOws.
Your fellow citizens know that politicians are dime
dozen and in endless parade in any community.
And they know, too, that the zeal, the fervor,
the selflessness the devotion you have displayed
are unpurchasahle qualities which only at great
intervals usually marked by crises among mem
do communities have the opportunity TO enfold
into their civic beings.
So, we say, we the people, Garry on"
We understand; we appreciate; we see the
gold and recognize the dross.
And you, defenders-you need not ask a ques-
ton, as did Biblical progenitor Genesis 80
you may go about your many tasks and, with
integrity and surety, say:
II AM my brothers. keeper!