NFHS Executive Director Bob Kanaby Closes the Hall of Fame Banquet

What a day to hold such a wonderful event -- our nation's birthday. A day when we celebrate the opportunity to choose our dreams and pathway in a "pursuit of happiness." It calls to mind how great this nation really is

It also calls to mind the question: "What makes America great?"

It may seem strange to seek the answer to that question from someone who was French and never an American citizen. But that is what I suggest we do.

Alexis de Tocqueville was a young man of 25 when he was sent to America in 1832 to study the penal system in the United States.

While here he became fascinated with the people, the commerce and the governmental systems of this young nation and set about to study what today is considered an early work in the science of sociology.

He and a friend spent nine months traveling as far west as Green Bay, north to Quebec and south to New Orleans returning to Newport, Rhode Island along the eastern coast. Just about all of America at that time.

Upon returning to France, he wrote, Democracy In America, two volumes explaining from his perspective our democratic order. The books today remain as relevant as anything ever written about our nation since that time.

In response to my question, what makes America great, he concluded the following:

"I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers -- and it was not there."

"I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her fertile fields and boundless forests -- and it was not there."

"I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her public school system and her institutions of learning -- and it was not there."

"I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her democratic congress and her matchless constitution -- and it was not there."

"Not until I went into the churches of America and heard the pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power.

America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great."

It would not be difficult to view our nation today and reach a conclusion that far too often the actions by some which are found in our society would lead one to conclude that we far too often act as if we have lost our moral compass.

What makes this nation great are its customs, its traditions and beliefs which were grounded in a document that began with "We the people."

The greatness of this nation will always rest with us -- the people.

It remains that way with everything that has been entrusted to us. In our case one may describe that to be the activities of high school sports and fine arts.

I prefer to describe it as being entrusted with the life experiences of young adults who are the future citizenry of this nation, who will someday guide its moral compass in all walks of life.

I believe that de Tocqueville was advising us that if America wishes to remain great, all its people must contribute to that greatness in whatever way of life they have.

Perhaps Walt Whitman gave us our compass, our direction when he wrote, "create good people -- all the rest follows."

All the rest of what we want for young people, for our families, for our society, and for this nation -- our America -- the Peoples' America

"Create good people -- all the rest follows."

It should sum up what we are about in high school sports and activities.

It is our touchstone; our anchor; our purpose. A purpose far more important than any game or activity.

It is our contribution to keeping our America great. Using the experiences of sport and activities as a means of creating better human beings -- people such as those we have recognized and honored this evening. Not only for their talents and exploits concerning a field of play or activity, but for the manner in which they have lived and continue to live their lives. Lives that reflect their personal contribution to the greatness of America.

That is what is entrusted to each of us. The greatness of America.

On this, her birthday and every day of our lives, let us promise to protect and guide it as well as we can.

She needs us today, perhaps more than ever.

God Bless Our Efforts

Arrive home safely.