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Show HILL TOP TIMES Pag 4 Editorials . . . February?, Will Top itmes 1969 . Comments COMMANDER'S CORNER Capsule Law " fyfrith maiice loMWiut none, wiift cfixiilif flol ail, witA fhmneM in ' (Jte bigit!'.. ABRAHAM LINCOLN Lincoln Amazed Them Ail Abraham Lincoln was a very unlikely choice to become President of the United States, particularly at a time when the Nation was torn with civil strife. For, with the exception of a single term in Congress, he assumed the duties of President an untried public figure. His lack of family position, affluence and formal education caused ambassadors and influential people to ridicule his awkward, homely ways. Even the leaders of his own party felt he was unequal to the task that lay before him. Yet Lincoln amazed them all. Firmly grasping the reins of government, he took unprecedented steps to fulfill his oath of office to "preserve, protect, and defend the government." His dedication to a course of action that would accomplish that end could not be swayed. His integrity could not be shaken; his sense of justice could not be corrupted; his compassion and mercy were steadfast. His fondest hope was for the terrible conflict to come to an end and for the Nation to be reunited. In a time of crisis that had no precedent in our history Lincoln stood firm in the face of almost insurmountable odds to guide the Nation to peace. This man of humble birth, whose birthday we celebrate on Feb. 12, proved to be one of our greatest Presidents. (AFNT.) The Lunar Dream Eons ago. when man first began to think, he probably gazed inquiringly at the silver beacon that shone so alluringly alove his head. From that first curious glance, the moon has been the object of much speculation and wonder. What is it? How did it get there? Does anyone live there? What is it made of? Countless questions have been asked the ages. through The moon has become a strong figure in most folklore and mythology. Many ancient peoples worshipped it as a god. Others thought of it as a symlxl of romance, or as a source of mystical power. All of this speculation was a result of the inaccessability of the moon. Now, the moon will cease to be a source of speculation. Man is on the threshold of lunar exploration. In a relatively short time, the mysteries of the moon will be answered. A legend will end. When men walk across the lunar surface and examine that heavenly body that has puzzled mankind for so long, one may wonder just what it means. What is the significance? Obviously, lunar exploration would mark a significant milestone in the progress of mankind. It would be a testimonial to the ingenuity of man, and to the driving force of curiosity. Perhaps the Apollo 8 astronauts came close to describing the significance of reaching the moon when they read selected Bible verses to the world below: "In the beginning . . . ". That is the significance. It is the beginning of a new adventure for mankind. (AFLC PRESS SERVICE) A Tree Planting and Removal Though state laws differ in the way a will is executed, the main idea is much the same everywhere. The formalities aim to protect its originator and his heirs. Centuries ago spoken wills were permitted. Five witnesses could testify that Jones meant for Mary to be his beneficiary; but, alas, some scoundrel might even round up seven other witnesses, and then where would Mary be? Written wills do away with all that. Except for holographic wills which a person writes out in his own hand completely, a will is executed by (1) publication, (2) signature, and (3) attestation. In publication the writer tells at least two witnesses that what he is about to sign is his will, and then he signs it as they look on. In signature the will is signed while both parties look on. When the witnesses sign the will, they attest the fact that they saw the originator of the will sign the paper. They don't need to read the will ; they need only to sign it to show that they saw it being signed. The will should be placed in a safe place where it can easily be found and checked periodically to see if there should be any change to it because of changed circumstances in the life of the originator or his heirs. The will can be revoked or changed by a codicil, but not by interlineations or marginal notes. It is best to have a lawyer help in these things. First, he knows how to accomplish the will so that a court can carry them out with the minimum of cost and trouble, and second, he may be able to advise ways to save on taxes or to solve special problems. Quote of Note "Our Air Force Reservists constantly demonstrate patriotism at its best. The very fact that they are Reservists makes them double-dut-y citizens civilian members of communities participating in community affairs, and Air Force Reservists during training perioda who are ready to respond to the Nation's call." (Maj. Gen. Tom E. March-bank- s, Jr., chief. Office of Air Force Reserve.) i r THm x off Purr i w tvvcATiONU By Col. Jack H. Alston Hill AFB Commander Many programs are currenty being planned and pursued to improve and beautify our base. One of these is the current tree planting and removal program. In past years, many Chinese Elm trees were planted This species was selected because it was easy and rapid to develop, giving trees of size in a minimum of time. Subsequent to this, other trees of a higher variety were planted and these trees have now developed to a point where the Chinese Elms can be removed. Approximately 60 trees were removed last year and it is planned to remove an additional number this year. Those selected for removal have been marked with a red X. In each instance there Alston is a young Maple or Green Ash tree between the Marked Chinese Elms. Shortly these marked Elms will be reduced to stumps and then removed with a stump chipper. This program of planting new trees and removing old ones is part of the approved "Base Landscape Plan". This plan will take several years to complete but will gradually enhance the beauty and upkeep of the base. In the interim period, many of the Elm trees will be trimmed to preclude breaking and splintering of their brittle limbs. well-develop- ed CHAPLAIN'S COLUMN No Cheap Commodity By Chaplain (Capt.) James W. Kinney In the barracks one airman was heard saying to another, "Oh well, if this marriage doesn't work, I'll get a divorce and start all over again." It sounded like marriage or divorce were things that didn't amount to much. A sergeant was overheard commenting that his promotion hadn't come through in spite of all he'd done to earn it. And promotions mean food for a growing family when a man's got dreams. A mother dropped exhausted into the rocker after getting the last youngster to bed, with a plea, almost a prayer, for insight to get through the next day rearing law abiding kids. Persistence is no cheap commodity in today's character market. Yet it's an absolute necessity if a person is to live up to the highest and best of one's ability, whether in marriage relationships, vocational responsibility and success, or the rearing of good and godly children. Thomas S. Kepler, in a recent paperback, says that Wellington, the English general who defeated Napoleon at Waterloo, once said that English soldiers were no braver than their French counterparts; "They are just as brave five minutes longer." That is called the persistence that makes real men. Without it no cause can be completed, no challenge can be conquered. "Mission Impossible" is so popular not because of the mission, but the persistence of the characters who give the extra minute, the last twist, the final stroke to make "Mission Possible." St. Paul lived by the slogan "We shall reap if we do not lose heart." Our lives depend on this hope for present meaning and fulfillment. It makes any marriage, every vocation, all children worthwhile. Dare we live for less? Can we spare even five minutes' "bravery"? Self Motivation Means Pride The Air Force spends much time and money each year in programs relating to job motivation. The mission of the Air Force is awesome and challenging To succesobsfully accomplish this mission, extra effort must be tained from all employees. The security of our nation may well depend on this extra effort. Most of these programs are directed at one target: the pride of the individual. The Air Force can be no better than this collective pride. . s A person who has self pride, it can be noted, more likely to find success. He will try a little harder than necessary, because he is determined to "get ane?rne He is convinced that his role in life is important, and treats no task lightly. And, as a result, he wiU assume more rewarding and more important roles as he goes through life. Self motivation means pride. Anyone can have pnJ if he seeks it. And once a person finds pride, success follows with relative ease. |