Now America can be proud

Not so long ago, I recorded one magnificent instance of common courage and humanity from a junior high school class in Catanzaro, Italy. Now I have to say - although in matters of high honour and nobility there is no competition - that a high school in Missouri has trumped even that. The difference is that this is not just a matter of a school outing, even of many school outing, but of the school Prom: something that happens only once, to which people look forward for months if not years, on which young girls build dreams. God only knows how many of these girls had long hoped to run for Prom Queen themselves, had worked hard, saved for months for a dress, exercised and practiced dance to stay in shape. God knows how many of them, even as they nobly gave up their hopes for their beloved little friend, stifled a sigh or forced a smile. God knows, and He will reward every bit of self-sacrifice, every gram of self-denial motivated by love. And so, America, be proud. These are your children, and they deserve pride.