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17 Address at Banquet i n honor of Prof. Thomas Siemiradzki Cleveland, Ohio November ll+, 1937 Happiness, to be real, must be lasting - and in order to be lasting it must be based upon the fundamental principle of service to others. The service given our fellow man spreads until its base i s so wide and so long that upon i t is built a monument that reaches high - reaches up to Heaven - its very sight inspires others. Too often we wait until a man has passed on and then after a number of years we prepare to erect a monument to his memory, we meet here tonight to point to the monument Professor Thomas Siemiradzki has built for himself - to inspire others so that they too might build themselves a living monument upon this altruistic base that long endures. Educated in school and taught by experience, he soon learned that the greatest happiness on this earth i s the happiness we bring to others - and so he devoted himself at once to further his convictions with an unshakable will® He has the unique pleasure of living to see his dreams come true. He learned soon that the best way to convince others is to show by every thought, word and deed that he himself i s convinced - and his sincerity was always evident. He came here i n 1 8 9 6 . He taught school. He became a part of the civic life of the United States, when i n the year 1901 he swore allegiance to this country. He continued teaching, lecturing and writing. Education was his principal occupation - education not only through schools, but also education through journalism. Those who know him intimately find his profound discussions most interesting and most enlightening. I t seems that he i s constantly giving to others from the treasury of his mind and heart. ,-e are met here today not only to do honor to the Professor, but also to plan continued efforts in the direction of our own happiness, based upon a physical, mental and moral development. So much of our future depends upon what we do now. There are people who are contented to mark time - others are constantly encountering turning points, making many adaptations and advancing from year to year as life continues - for, as we know, we have a definite obligation and responsibility, because we can not enjoy the opportunities, the comforts and the benefits of life in the United States without sharing in our responsibilities as citizens of this country. Vie must give as well as take, and i f we do this we must keep in mind a definite plan by which we finally attain our end on this earth and i n this country - namely, the complete welfare of the people. To that end governments are formed. We must not only love our country and know our government, but we must take part in its functions to help solve its 10 problems - having devoted ourselves to the pursuit of its aims - a lasting happiness on this earth for present and future generations. Professor Siemiradzki you have lived - and you have worked. I t wasn't always easy. But you obtained so much satisfaction from your struggles. And now we can benefit by your experience. I t pleases me, Professor Siemiradzki, to be with you at this dinner and to wish you many more years of continued service with the happiness that must be yours. God bless you)
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