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ADDRESS * Every project, which has as its objective the enrichment of the life of the community, the training of our youth in the democratic faith, the cementing of relationship between the varied groups in American life, is worthy of the support of every American. A long time ago, when our Nation was much younger, Dr. John H. Finley, President of the College of the City of New York, explained that it is the function of education "not to make doctors or lawyers, nor even preachers, waiters and scientists. It is, first of all, to give young men access to the riches of human experience; not for the mere earning of a livelihood, but for the ennobling of life and the better- ing of life in the community and the State." I think that even today it would be well to ponder again and again over the words of Dr. Finley, for the principles which he laid down nearly a half century ago still hold true. What is the function of democratic education today if not to ennoble life, if not to train our future generations for democracy? What is the battle that is raging throughout the world if not for the minds and hearts of our young people? And isn't this a battle which we dare not lose because that which we fail to teach, the enemies of democracy are only too ready to teach. The spiritual and moral values which we fail to inculcate in our youth will only leave a vacuum which our adversari es are only too ready to fill. * By Earl James McGrath, U. S. Commissioner of Education, Federal Security Agency, Washington, D.C., prepared for delivery by Buell G. Gallagher before the Hebrew Culture Service Committee, Waldorf Astoria Hotel, New York City, March 4, 1952. Used for Voice of America recording, Washington, D. C., March 13, 1952. Published in the Jewish Frontier Vol. XIX, No. 4 (2044), April 1952 issue, pp. 14-16. Published in part in The American Mosaic, leaflet for American high schools and colleges by the Hebrew Culture Service Committee.