School Emblem -
Five Generals
(Editor's Note: Last week we looked at the icon we used to identify Lee High School back when we attended. As far as I know, there was no grand ideas behind the symbol, only that it stood for General Robert E. Lee, and thus represented us as the Lee Generals. Several years ago I printed the new Lee High School logo in the Traveller and many were surprised to find that the Lee Generals were no longer just the Robert E. Lee Generals, but that he had been joined by four other ones. Along with the history that was sent to me by by Janice Tittsworth Barnett, Class of '65 and a Lee High Librarian, I also received the following information on the current Lee High School emblem and the meanings behind it.)
1) George Washington was the first American general and commander of the Continental Army. General Washington later became the 1st president of the United States. He lead our nation during a period of great turmoil, confusion, and instability with patience, understanding, and strength. He helped the nation realize the limitless possibilities and hope that the new country encompassed. He encouraged the states to work together, as there is strength and stability in unity. He was a major force in the victory over the British during the American Revolution (1776-1781) and in the unification of the 13 colonies into the United States of America. He was born on February 22, 1732 and died on December 14, 1799.
2) Robert E. Lee was a U.S. Military Officer that became the commanding general of the Confederacy during the Civil War (1861-65). He is famous for his loyalty to his state’s cause even in the light of overwhelming odds. During the war, he was a brilliant battle strategist. He led his men by example of character not by verbiage. After the war, he was the first to seek ways to mend the hurt and destruction within the torn country. He also supported the notion of working together as a nation united again. He became the president of Washington and Lee University, seeking academic enlightenment for other men and fulfilling his own zest for learning. He was born on January 19, 1807 and died on October 12, 1870.
3) Dwight David Eisenhower, an American general became the Supreme
Allied Commander of the European Theater during World War II (1939-41- 1945). His ability to unify the commanders of the United States, Great Britain, France, and other allies was accomplished through his maturity, self-confidence, and patience. He led through principles without allowing his ego to be the principle factor. His positive, solid attitude was an inspiration to the free world. He became the 34th President of the United States. He was born on October 14, 1890 and died on March 28, 1969.
4) General Douglas MacArthur, five star American general, was commander of the U.S. Navy in the Philippine Islands prior to World War II. When the U.S. forces were defeated by the Japanese in the Philippines, MacArthur vowed to return. He had such a commitment to the purpose of returning and defeating the enemy that he was an inspiration to the nation. His undying faith in his men and their mission was a determining factor in the victory over the Japanese in the Pacific Theatre in World War II. He was born on January 26, 1880 and died on April 5, 1964.
5) General Colin Powell was the first black commanding general of the Chiefs of Staff. He served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during Desert Storm. His intelligence and uncanny ability to coordinate all U.S. Military personnel as well as United Nation forces made him a famous leader. He symbolizes the endurance, patience, and strength of character of all Americans in modern times. He also symbolizes the hope and limitless possibilities that are available to us when we believe in our ourselves, each other, our school, states, and nation. He was born on April 5, 1937.
Reaching for the Stars and Meeting the Challenge
“GENERALS”
The Circle of 5 Stars
The circle is an emblem of continuous love of each other and oneself that does not have a beginning or end. The circle symbolizes a team working together as a unit in harmony, respect, and fairness to each other. Teams working together have power.
Star One - Symbolizes maturity, acceptance, understanding, and belief in oneself. Freshman year
Star Two - Symbolizes commitment to academic excellence, achievement, and service to ma~nkind. Sophomore year - 5 credits
Star Three - Symbolizes patience and an enthusiastiç..spirit with zest for learning and for life. Junior year - 11 credits
Star Four - Symbolizes growth, maturity, and hard work with commitment to reach established goals and to meet responsibilities. Senior year 15 credits
Star Five - Symbolizes integrity, endurance, accomplishment, pride, and new beginnings. Graduation
Swords - Symbolize strength of moral character and trust.
Crossed Swords - Symbolize friendship, commitment, and support to each other and to principles.
Gray - Symbolizes positive, solid attitudes and unfaltering loyalty
White - Symbolizes purity, passion of purpose
Blue - Symbolizes hope and limitless possibilities
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