A Promise to Youth

Abstract

AT a meeting on September 3 of an international assembly of students made up of delegates from all the United Nations, President Roosevelt gave a pledge for the future to the youth of the world-to those who must bear the brunt of the physical warfare and who will shape the new world. He referred to the glorification of youth in which the Axis Powers have always indulged; so far from their being the real champions of youth, it is now seen they have nothing to offer save death. “On the other hand”, he said, “the cause of the United Nations is the cause of youth itself.” The thoughts of many are concerned with interrupted education and careers and the postponement of opportunities in life ; but as, under the stress of war, the American Government has accepted the broad responsibility of seeing that suitable work shall be provided for its citizens, so in days to come that responsibility will be continued. Victory is essential, but is not enough; we must ensure the 'four freedoms' for the generations to come, and it will require “bold vision, intelligent planning, and hard work”. This applies equally to all the United Nations, and involves a step of historic importance; for it means that the needs of humanity have brought together the cultures of the Americas, Asia and Europe to form for the first time a world civilization. The principles set out in the 'four freedoms' and in the Atlantic Charter as a whole provide for a world in which all may live in freedom and equity, and without fear of war. They will not be easily established, even when the War is won, but the mistakes of the aftermath of the War of 1914-18 will not be repeated. Through these principles we have the possibility of reaching the highest goals that mankind has ever imagined.