I was born in this town. My father was born here. Most of this town is on my...

Woodrow Lafayette Pershing Truesmith: I was born in this town. My father was born here. Most of this town is on my grandfather's homestead. My grandfather was an honorable man; so was my father. I've sold papers on the street to most of you who are here this morning. I've know you all my life. Your affection means a great deal to me, and now that I've lost the chance forever, I want you all to know how much it would have meant to me to be the mayor, or the city clerk, or the assistant city clerk or the dog catcher of this town, which was my grandfather's farm. By the same token I would gladly have given my life to have received just one of the ribbons you have seen on these brave mens' chests. If I could reach as high as my father's shoestrings my whole life would be justified and I would stand here before you proudly, instead of as the thief and coward that I am. I said a coward because I postponed until now what I should have told you a year ago, when I was discharged from the Marine Corps for medical unfitness. A coward because I didn't want my mother to know. Well, it wasn't to save her, it was to save *me*. A thief because I stole your admiration, I stole the ribbons I wore, I stole this nomination