HER Official Organ Of The Sla vonic Benevolent Order Of The State Of Texas. Founded 1897. BENEVOLENCE
VOLUME 54 — NO 26
HUMANITY
BROTHERHOOD
Postmaster: Please Send Form 3579 with Undeliverable Copies to: SUPREME LODGE, SPJST, P. 0. Box 100, TEMPLE, TEXAS
JUNE 29, 1966
FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK THIS, THAT, AND THE OTHER The first few days of July remind us of two important historical dates: July 4th, of course, is the anniversary of the signing of our Declaration of Independence. One hundred and ninety years ago, the writers of this great document proclaimed its contents around the world for all to hear, particularly the British Crown. Thomas Jefferson was its chief author. Contrary to some people's belief, the document was written and officially proclaimed BEFORE any of the major military engagements of the American Revolutionary War. The date has long been regarded as the beginning of American independence of the British Crwon, hence, our "birthday." July 1st marks another birthday, that of the official founding of our SPJST back in 1897, although July 10th was the date when the first Charter of the SPJST was drawn up and signed by three members: L. V. Vanek, I. J. Gallia, and J. R. Kubena. That Charter was presented to and accepted on August 12th, of that same year by then Secretary of State, J. W. Madden. Somewhere along the line, July 1st was adopted as the date of our beginning, and that date has been used since. This then, will be our 89th birthday. Next year, when our 70th birthday
rolls around, we will go into the history of our Order a little deeper so that our younger generation will know more of the background and development cf our SPJST. For this 69th birthday, suffice it to say, that our membership now stands at more than 35,000 members, and our assets total over 14 million. We have grown with Texas. And we will continue to do so. • As far as the 4th of July is concerned, it is hoped that the occasion this year will be a little something more elevated than picnics and fireworks. Every American should pause in the midst of our daily hustle and bustle and reflect on the price that our forebearers paid for freedom and liberty that we so often take for granted. Many should bow their heads in shame that we have taken this precious inheritance so much for granted. Let us, therefore, renew our faith in our country and vow that we will be worthy of the sacrifices that others have made for us. • America's strength lies in the enlightenment of its people. Plato said, diredtion in which education starts a man will determine his future life." This was true in his time and it is true today. American youth is indeed fortunate to have the privilege of obtaining an education extending from the three R's through high
school and higher institutions of learning. At times it appears that the things learned through education are misdirected and misplaced. At times it looks as though the trouble-makers and ne'er-do-wells have taken over our colleges and universities. He (or she) may be a campus "hero" today, but where will that individual be tomorrow or after graduation? Rebellion for the sake of rebellion has no value. Chaos breeds confusion. Confusion begets confusion. It is a gross misuse of a wonderful opportunity. Success, even in this day and time, is still rooted in a firm and basic philosophy of hard work, perseverance, and application of one's talents. Those attempting a short-cut usually meet with serious setbacks. You can look at a rose bush and curse God for having put thorns on it, or you can look at the thorn bush and thank God for having adorned it with beautiful roses. So much depends on how you look at life and the world. Our willingness to cooperate, our unselfish devotion, strength and manner of action can be carried over into all walks of life. It is our duty to look at ourselves realistically from time to time. You can't write off failures by pretending they didn't happen, or burying your head in the sand. Boasting won't do it either. We can truly begin to boast