"I Believe in America . . ."

This week, on the second anniversary of Wendell Willkie's death, workmen are landscaping the large lot in Rushville's wooded East Hill Cemetery. In the lot's center, a 15-foot granite cross rises over a tiny headstone; a pale pink granite bench faces an open, granite book. The stones, sculptured by Malvina Hoffman, are now wrapped in canvas. But when the wrappings come off, visitors may sit on the bench and ponder the book's message:

"I believe in America because in it we are free. Free to choose our government, to speak our minds, to observe different religions.

"Because we are generous with our freedom, and share our rights with those who disagree with us. Because we hate no people, and covet no people's land. . . . Because we have great dreams and the opportunity to make those dreams come true.

"There are no distant points in the world any more. Our thinking in the future must be worldwide.

"The world is awakening at last to the knowledge that the rule of the people by other people is not freedom.

"Freedom is an indivisible word. We must be prepared to extend it to everyone, whether they are rich or poor, whether they agree with us or not, no matter what their race or ... color. ... We must have faith that the welfare of one is the welfare of all. . . . Only the productive are strong. Only the strong are free. . . ."

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