November 1, 1910

To my dear departed son: You are no longer in our midst; you are only memories to all of us now -- yet thru this simple tribute may those in the future know your virtues. I do not believe you were old enough to realize how much happiness and pride you brought into our father's and my life. Your life was short but I have a constant prayer on my lips that it was not in vain. Bill, when you died I truly believed you gave your life so that our country would one day, again, be at peace and the world with us and in this fact I found some degree of comfort because you left home with the greatest pride and confidence. In each war our men have fought for what they believed was right -- your father before you in World War I and you in World War II and yet today twenty-five years after that terrible con­ flict we are again engaged in an undeclared war trying to find that eternal peace we so eagerly seek.

It was your love of country and liberty for which you offered your lives. Your father was destined to live to give life to you, who in turn gave your life back into God's Hands. Why should this be I keep asking myself, yet as a Christian I must believe in God's Wisdom and eventual plan for each of us and find comfort in this faith even though we have lost your earthly companionship. We need to understand that we are all pilgrims and so­ journers on our way to a heavenly home. This earthly existence is not an end in itself but a prelude to life at its fullest. It has been told that one thing is certain -- our life with God will be the ultimate goal of our striving. This is another achievement you have won. It is my fervent prayer that this building, dedicated to you by your late father and I that by the Grace of God will bring joy, brotherly love, understanding and a wealth of learning opportunities to all.

May I now borrow your father's closing message in a letter enclosed in the cornerstone of the first libra.I'y here at P.M.C. He quoted from Philippians I :3 "I thank my God upon every remen­ brance of you." I should like to put my closing message into my own words -- I wish to thank God for every remembrance of a fine son and a wonderful husband and father. With my dearest love, Your devoted and proud Mother