GOING FORWARD

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 May 1941, Page 6

GOING FORWARD

SPIRIT & FAITH OF AMERICA. "We muster the spirit of America and the faith of America. We do not retreat. We are not content to stand still. As Americans we go forward . . . . by the will of God." These words of President Roosevelt are reverberating about the world. They serve as a message for mankind, writes an American journalist, Mr R. U. Markham. The “lore" of America is one of the mightiest forces in eontemporary history. Perhaps “myth" i might be a better word than lore in this case. It does not mean corn-action 1 or convention, but reputation. It means! popular faith. A “myth” or ' reputa- i lion" is a folk creation. It is history ' with a halo. One of America's great- I est treasures is the Lincoln “myth." | which is the truth about Lincoln plus; all the courage, resolution, faith and high resolve that truth arouses in nml- i titudcs of people. It is our respect for Lincoln, set aglow with admiration , and devotion. It is our approval of I Lincoln fired with inspiration and re-I consecration. It is the transfiguration • by the people of a statesman into a . great spiritual leader. "Myths" or “re- , putations" are made by the yearning | hearts of men and women. Sued hearts ■ have created an American myth m the world that has no equal anywhere | among the children of men.