Week

By proclamation of the President. Nov. 17 and the six days immediately thereafter were observed as American Education Week. U. S. citizens throughout the land, especially parents and schoolteachers, bore in mind an official program arranged for them by the Bureau of Education (adjunct of the U. S. Department of the Interior) associated with the American Legion and the National Education Association.

The Bureau's brochure recommended that the seven days be called:

1) Constitution Day--"Bulwark of Democracy and Happiness." On this day it was recommended that the fol- lowing points be made by speechmakers: "Life, liberty, justice, security and opportunity," "One Constitution, one Union, one Flag, one History." Slogans suggested: "Ballots, not bullets," "Master the English language," "Visit the schools today."

2) Patriotism Day--"The United States Flag is the Living Symbol of the Ideals and Institutions of Our Re- public." Points: "The red flag means death, destruction, poverty, starvation, disease, anarchy and dictatorship," "Stamp out revolutionary radicalism," "To vote is the primary duty of every patriot." Slogans: "America first," "The red flag--danger," "Visit the schools today."

3) School and Teacher Day--"The Guiding Influence of Future America." Points: "The necessity of schools," "The teacher as a nation builder," "School needs in the community." Slogans: "Better trained and better paid teachers," "Schools are the Nation's greatest asset," "Visit the schools today."

4) Illiteracy Day--"Informed Intelligence is the Foundation of Represen- tative Government." Points: "Illiteracy is a menace to our Nation," "Illiteracy creates misunderstanding." Slogans: "No illiteracy by 1930," "Education is a godly nation's greatest need," "The dictionary is the beacon light to under- standing," "Visit the schools today."

5) Physical Education Day--"Playgrounds and Athletic Fields Mean a Strong, Healthy Nation." Points : "A playground for every child," "Physical education and health habits for all," "Safety education saves life." Slogans: "A sick body makes a sick mind," "Athletes all," "Visit the schools today."

6) Community Day--"Service to the Community, State and Nation is the First Duty of Every Citizen." Points: "Equality of opportunity," "Better rural schools," "Good roads build a community." Slogans: "Get acquainted with your neighbor," "A square deal for the country boy and girl," "Children today, citizens tomorrow."

7) God and Country Day--"Religion, Morality and Education are Necessary for Good Government." Point for sermons: "Education in the home, school, church." Slogan: "A godly nation cannot fail."

The President issued two proclamations--one anticipative, one celebrative. Said the second: "An educated fool is a sorry spectacle, but he is not nearly so dangerous to society as a rich fool. We want neither in this country. We want the educated to know how to work and the rich to know how to think."

Not all U. S. citizens observed Education Week. The National League of Women Voters, for example, announced that it would refrain from participation in Days 1 and 2 on account of the campaigns against Communism and Radicalism called for by the program; also, on account of a feeling the League entertained against the idea of the American Legion participating in the program and being referred to as the proper supply body for Education Week speakers. Declaring that the program savored too much of militarism, the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom likewise abstained--from the entire week's activities. Likewise, the American Civil Liberties Union. Likewise, the Young Women's Christian Association.