I understand that, for the purposes of these ceremonies at least,
those who have donated their resources and their energies to its erection
would prefer to remain anonymous, exhibiting an awareness of the
noble soul that the rewards of giving are the giving itself. Neverthe-
less, I would feel remiss in my duties if I did not pay my respects
to the generosity and unselfishness of these nameless persons, and say
to them that by your deeds you have earned the gratitude of all of us.

Looking back over the past several years, I have observed, as I
know you have, the ever-increasing emphasis that is being placed upon
the value of adequate recreational facilities for the citizens of our State.
Many centuries ago, a Roman poet wrote that a wise man should
ask of Heaven no more than that he be granted a healthy soul in a
healthy body. By developing to the maximum potential the athletic
and recreational opportunities of our people, old and young alike,
we are giving recognition to that sound precept that a healthy soul
requires a healthy body. By following it, we are building safeguards
for the happiness and security, not only for ourselves and our children,
but for those who will follow us in all the years to come.

Never before in our history have the needs for recreational oppor-
tunities been so evident. We are living in an era in which men and
women enjoy longer vacations, longer weekends, more leisure in general.
It is our obligation, therefore, to see to it that the facilities are pro-
vided by which the people may use this leisure wisely and profitably.

William Lyon Phelps, the celebrated American educator and author,
wrote these lines; "Those who decide to use leisure as a means of
mental development... are the happiest people in the world; and
they are not only happy in themselves, they are the cause of happiness
in others. "

I am interested in recreation, of both the outdoor and the indoor
variety, for a number of reasons, but the primary interest is because
of its effects upon our society. We must encourage sound minds in
sound bodies if we expect to maintain a healthy society. We must
learn to use our leisure wisely to maintain a sturdy people in a strong
Nation. I am interested in recreation, too, because of its social and
economic potential. I am sure that you will find that by making your
community more attractive for yourselves, through the erection of this
community house and the development of this recreational area, you
will also have made it more attractive to others. And consequently

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