No greater devotion to or love for our Alma Mater…

The Citadel’s Class of 1931 [1]

“We, the members of the Junior class, are extremely proud and grateful of the honor of being an important part of The Citadel. Perhaps greater classes have gone before us, but we doubt if any can show a greater devotion to and love for our Alma Mater.

Ours was the largest Freshman class ever to enroll at The Citadel, and the surviving Juniors of the hard grind of two years represent a small part of our classmates who first matriculated. Some have fallen by the wayside; others have battled heroically to attain the qualifications of a Junior in scholarship, military advancement, and moral leadership. Our path has been hindered by obstacles; but overcoming them, we have increased our momentum and have set our eyes on the goal of graduation next year.

Experience in various lines of duty has been acquired throughout our Freshman and Sophomore years. Realizing that vanity, arrogance, and boastfulness are detrimental to advancement, we hope and believe those factors have been removed in our first years here. Still we are conscious of imperfections in ourselves, our class, our school. An imperative duty thus faces us — to give our best for progress. We are determined not to be found wanting in that respect.

Ours is not a conservative class; neither is it radical. Our representatives have possibly been radical in defeating opponents, but our class as a whole stands for constructive advancement. We have outstanding men in all branches of cadet activity, notably in athletics. Our class members are not afraid to cry for reform even from superiors, for we are a vital link in the chain of this venerable institution’s history.

Our past is bright; our future is even brighter. Let us then gaze into the crystal globe that portrays this future. We see— undefeated athletic teams— a higher plane of military efficiency— a closer brotherhood of classmates — academic proficiency — increasing love for our school — and a growling bull dog that warns trespassers, “We are not here to play.”

Our Senior year looms bright before us. and only one more year remains for us to take advantage of our opportunities. Then our leadership will be tested. We believe it will weather the storm for the Bull Dog or “never say die” spirit has been thoroughly inculcated into us. Each day our obligations and responsibilities increase. Fear plays no part with us. for we must uphold the traditions of our Alma Mater.

Alumni and underclassmen have faith in us. As Seniors we shall not fail. Likewise we must not fail in the problems of life. As Father Time moves on and on, and as the day approaches when we can wear the numeral ONE, may our voices unite toward our goal Success and with victory in our grasp cry, “WON.”

“To give our best and let that stand
The record of our brain and hand.”

________________________

In memory of the men of the Class of 1931 who sacrificed all for liberty in Europe and N. Africa:
George Bryan French, KIA/MIA 23-Apr-43, Tunisia, North Africa American Cemetery
Allard Barnwell Heyward, KIA/MIA 7-Jun-44, France, Normandy American Cemetery
Joseph Barre Traywick, KIA 8-Nov-44, Germany, Arlington National Cemetery
Albert Starke Hagood, KIA 23-Mar-45, Germany, Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery

[1] Photo and text source: “Foreword” of the Junior Class section of the 1930 Sphinx, p. 83.
Courtesy of The Citadel Archives and Museum, Charleston, South Carolina.
The Sphinx is the yearbook of The South Carolina Corps of Cadet.