Bob's Journal - Keeping watch in Valhalla, Kemper Alumni service record

Though pagan in conception, there was something movingly human in the ancient Norse belief that Odin gathered to himself in Valhalla the souls of heroes slain in battle. There they might feast and rest; thence by 540 gates they might sally forth to fight again in some noble cause, die again, and return in a new resurrection.

In fancy we have a modern counterpart of this ancient legend. Certainly Kemper Military School has its own Hall of Heroes Slalin in Battle. In more than a century of existence hundreds upon hundreds of Kemper men have gone into conflict to the end that freedom and democratic self-government might be preserved as a heritage for all peoples.

Many never came back. In numbers these are sufficient to mount guard at each of the gates of our special Valhalla. We who survive hold them all in grateful memory; their sacrifices ever remindful to us of the extent of their love, for "greater love hath no man than he lay down his life for his fellow-man."

It is not given to us to know the process by which certain of our alumni are chosen for sacrifice while others remain. As we ponder the more than 100 names of those we honor in this final alumni service record, World War II, it seems that at times the most worthy of them were selected for separation. These comrades of ours have given convincing proof of their determination, their courage, and their sincerity. They also loved life. It seems that only yesterday their voices were heard among us as they joined in our songs, rejoiced in letters from home, or rang out with lusty exuberance as they participated in contests of sport. But when the time came for them to face the enemy they did not flinch or hold back.

What of the future for those of us who remain behind? Our course is quite clear. We must keep faith with them. It is for us, with the memory of their sacrifices still fresh, to dedicate again our hearts, our minds, and our bodies to the important task of assuring that the peace will be a just and equitable and conclusive peace. And beyond that lies the job of making certain that the social order which we bequeath to the next generation is truly based on the freedom for which these men fought and died. Anything less than this will mean betrayal of the faith which these staunch comrades reposed in us.

Across the deep abyss which divides us we cry out to them that as they keep eternal watch upon the spiritual ramparts, so shall we keep faithful watch upon the earthly ramparts -- determined to maintain our glorious inheritance, resolved to be worthy spokesmen for the liberties of the people, courageously, without fear or rancor, prejudice or favor, to live as bravely as they died. Let this be our solemn covenant with our heroic dead!

Alumni Lists: WWII Kemper Alumni (Deceased) || WWII Kemper Alumni

Uncle Bob's Legacy

Kemper Alumni Service Record in WWII

Keeping Watch in Valhalla