VETERANS DAY-VALEDICTORIAN

Brewster began with the words: " It was the best of times, and it was the worst of times." As soon as he'd said that much, an electrified silence came over the gathering. Those who failed to recognize the quote thought it sounded very impressive and true, and those who knew the author of those words were amazed that a product of Sunny-side School would have thought to apply the opening of A Tale of Two Cities to the current situation in the world. The assembled families and friends sat in respectful silence as Brewster continued

"Our country is a great country," said Brewster. "As a people we have pushed our frontiers from the great Atlantic to the wide Pacific. We have more land and better resources than any other country in the world, and yet within this great land of ours thousands go hungry and hundreds are out of work. We cannot sit idly by when there are things we can do. Our great president in Washington is starting up programs that will help all Americans. He is doing what he can for the veterans who fought for this country to try to bring an end to war. He is doing things for young men who have no jobs. We must support him in his work to save this country and its people."

When Brewster finally sat down there was a pause and then hard prolonged applause . Dr. Adams nodded his head. He'd had boys like Brewster in Willow-brook. They were God's bright lights of the future and he felt assured to know God was still on the job

Mr. White to show his approval, nodded at everyone whose eyes he happen to catch. The boy was right. Times were hard. He could use the address as a text for his next sermon. He would start with, "inasmuch as ye do this unto the least of these, you do it unto me," and he drifted off in a happy haze

Credit: Excerpt taken from a fictional novel by Camilla Bittle titled 'Dear Family'.

Can we say the same today? Unless we learn from history we are doomed to repeat the same mistakes & failures. Hopefully not and we may have a heart like Brewster who shared because he cared.

In memory of all the soldiers like Brewster who have given their all for our freedom as Americans....