The President - Harry S. Truman Library and Museum

ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT
Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida
Governor Warren, President Holt, distinguished educators, and all the friends of this great
school:
This is for me a very happy and a very solemn occasion. The Governor's address was a
masterpiece. It covers the situation with which we are faced. It brings to realization a
hope that I have long entertained. I am deeply sensitive of the honor which this college
has bestowed upon me.
Rollins College has served the State of Florida and the Nation faithfully and well through
more than 3 score years. I shall always treasure the memory of this day and the
parchment which admits me into the noble society of Rollins alumni. The men and
women which this institution has given the world now for 60-odd years have upheld the
ideals of democracy wherever they have found their life work.
It gives me special pleasure by my presence here today to bear witness to the debt which
we owe to the man who has guided the destinies of Rollins College for almost a quarter
of a century--Dr. Holt.
Since he assumed the presidency of this institution he has made it a focal point in our
effort to educate American youth in principles of freedom under true democracy. You
know, there is not a word in the English language that has been so severely abused during
the last ten years as that word DEMOCRACY. Some people make a travesty of that
word. That is one of the greatest words in the history of the English language, and it
should stand for just exactly what we mean when we say democracy, and not for a
counterfeit.
Doctor Holt has brought to his work distinguished leadership with a background of
accomplishment in many fields. Although he will soon retire from active academic work,
he will continue his labors for peace and international good will.
Never before has this country needed as it does today the leadership of thoroughly trained
men and women. We must have leaders inspired from their earliest years with the ideals
of true democracy.
Education is our first line of defense. In the conflict of principle and policy which
divides the world today, America's hope--our hope--the hope of the world, is in
education. Through education alone can we combat the tenets of communism. The
unfettered soul of free man offers a spiritual defense unconquered and unconquerable.