Speech prepared by P. J. Long for a memorial service for Warren Behrend. pg1
On December 19th, 1929 Warren Behrend on his way to join his family
for the Christmas holiday met a school bus at this place. The bus Made a left
turn in front of his car without giving the proper signal. Instantly this
man decided to run his car off the road bed, though it was slippery, to save these
children. his car overturned in this effort, killing him instantly
in my experience, I have never known a finer example of self forget-
fulness, esteeming the safety of others before oneself. Had he hesitated but
an instant the tragedy of that fatal day would have been written in deeper lines
some who are here today in possession of youthful health would almost certainly
have suffered with him.
it is appropriate to this occasion that young people of this
community pause today to consider his wonderful example of heroic sacrifice.
Warren's deed is a compelling challenge to every one present, most definitely to
every boy and girl in this community to dedicate ourselves to the call of duty
and of unselfish service. This deed should, and I confidently trust, will be
an inspiration to succeeding generations to respond instantly to the call to
duty even though it may mean to sacrifice.
As you young people look out into the world today the call to
unselfish service was never so compelling. Many of the finer things of life are
in peril. It is confused, almost hysterical. There is no remedy on earth for
these disorders so effectual as deeds not words of kindess, of self forgetfulness,
and unselfish sacrifice. May we not treasure Warren's heroic deed enacted in our
midst as a reminder to all future generations that the highest duty is always to
others rather than to ourselves.
This community, the two schools in this immediate neighborhood and
more particularly the children whose lives were saved by Warren Behrend's heroism,
with their parents and friends come today to pay respectful tribute to his wonderful
