1918 Yearbook
Source URL
Title
1918 Yearbook
Description
American Citizenship
Winning Oration of '17 by E. M. O'Connor
THE account of America's growth and transformation from a
wild and deserted land to a strong and progressive republic
is a romantic history of adventure, a history of golden pages:
of pages, which glow in recounting the heroic work of a liberty-loving people; of pages, which bring forth tears of joy,
mingled with tears of sorrow; of joy at the triumphs and
victories in their many struggles, and of sorrow at the stirring tales of their
trying hardships and uncomplaining sacrifices. It is then most fitting for
us, frequently to turn our thoughts into the distant past, and to recall the
patriotism of our forefathers, that we may hold them as our models of ideal
American citizenship, and that we may be filled with the same spirit of
loyalty, that glowed so ardently in their breasts.
When Christopher Columbus and his almost desperate ship-companions
were tossed about on the merciless sea, constantly praying for the sight
of land, America appeared on the distant horizon, as a haven of refuge.
America was an answer to their prayers, an end of their woe and despair.
With hearts of thankful prayer, this group of worn-out sailors humbly
bent their knees to the earth. Bowing before an implanted cross, these
rough, yet gentle-hearted adventurers acknowledged the Providence of the
good God, who had carried them unharmed through their perilous journey
over the dark and fathomless deep. Thus we may note that the very
beginning of America, its discovery, was the work of Divine Providence.
Time passed on, and eventually the Eastern World received the news
of the recently discovered country. Immediately many strong and self-
sacrificing men set out to explore into its depths. With what patience and
endurance they persistently advanced their explorations into the various
sections, at times not knowing where they really were, nor what unforseen
dangers awaited them.
There was a De Sota, a La Salle, a Marquette, a Hennepin, a De Leon,
a Cortez, and their equally courageous comrades. Those who were for-
Winning Oration of '17 by E. M. O'Connor
THE account of America's growth and transformation from a
wild and deserted land to a strong and progressive republic
is a romantic history of adventure, a history of golden pages:
of pages, which glow in recounting the heroic work of a liberty-loving people; of pages, which bring forth tears of joy,
mingled with tears of sorrow; of joy at the triumphs and
victories in their many struggles, and of sorrow at the stirring tales of their
trying hardships and uncomplaining sacrifices. It is then most fitting for
us, frequently to turn our thoughts into the distant past, and to recall the
patriotism of our forefathers, that we may hold them as our models of ideal
American citizenship, and that we may be filled with the same spirit of
loyalty, that glowed so ardently in their breasts.
When Christopher Columbus and his almost desperate ship-companions
were tossed about on the merciless sea, constantly praying for the sight
of land, America appeared on the distant horizon, as a haven of refuge.
America was an answer to their prayers, an end of their woe and despair.
With hearts of thankful prayer, this group of worn-out sailors humbly
bent their knees to the earth. Bowing before an implanted cross, these
rough, yet gentle-hearted adventurers acknowledged the Providence of the
good God, who had carried them unharmed through their perilous journey
over the dark and fathomless deep. Thus we may note that the very
beginning of America, its discovery, was the work of Divine Providence.
Time passed on, and eventually the Eastern World received the news
of the recently discovered country. Immediately many strong and self-
sacrificing men set out to explore into its depths. With what patience and
endurance they persistently advanced their explorations into the various
sections, at times not knowing where they really were, nor what unforseen
dangers awaited them.
There was a De Sota, a La Salle, a Marquette, a Hennepin, a De Leon,
a Cortez, and their equally courageous comrades. Those who were for-
Publisher
Wagner's Printery
Date
1918
Rights
St. Ambrose University, 518 W. Locust St., Davenport, IA 52803
Identifier
http://cdm16810.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p16810coll2/id/6700