But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us, the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion; that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom; and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
Visitor. Thank you, my lad, thank you.
Miss White. Sometimes we make original one-minute speeches. Would you like to hear one of those we prepared on Theodore Roosevelt? If so, choose your speaker.
Visitor. Indeed I would. I think I’ll choose you.
The pupil chosen comes to the front and delivers an original speech.
Visitor. Great work! Great work! I’m sure there is another Lincoln or Roosevelt in the making, right here in this class. I am especially pleased to hear these good American speeches, for I can see by your faces that some of you, or perhaps your parents, came from foreign lands.
Miss White. Those who were not born in America please stand. (Seven pupils stand.) In what country were you born?
In turn each answers: 1, Italy. 2, Russia. 3, Ireland. 4, Sweden. 5, Russia. 6, Austria. 7, England.
Miss White. Now, will all those whose parents—one or both—were born in other lands please stand also? (More than half the class rise. Motions pupils to their seats.) What are you all now?