Show THE WHITE HOUSE washington november 1 1947 TO THE PATRONS STUDENTS AND TEACHERS OF AMERICAN SCHOOLS the schools are yours the theme selected for the twenty seventh observance vanc e of bf american education week is a proud reminder that our forefathers saw 4 that our schools would help children develop their potentialities for democratic living to this end they established free schools for a free people I 1 would point out that the creative ideals of democracy must be taught in order to be learned the vitality of our republic depends on m the effectiveness of such teaching today american education is is in the grips of a grave crisis our schools are arc compelled to offer education of anfe inferior bior quality educationally many millions of our children are underprivileged we must act to correct conditions which sap our national strength and waste our human resources we must prepare our young people to understand and preserve their priceless inheritance lof freedom we must give them th the e proper clin climate for developing intellectual competence and personal responsibility I 1 therefore urge all americans to rededicate themselves to the program of providing their children with a sound education american education week begrin beginning november ninth offers citizens the opportunity to meet together in the seh schools to become acquainted with school needs in so doing they will take counsel in the very citadels of derr democracy HARRY S TRUMAN I 1 jw I 1 aa P |