One of my favorite Christmas editorials has been published each year in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) since 1949: “In Hoc Anno Domini” by Vermont Royster. Royster was a 1935 graduate of the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill; during his time at UNC he served as the editor of the student newspaper. Soon after graduating, he moved to New York City and began his 61-year career with the WSJ.

Royster received a commission in the US Navy Reserve and commanded the USS Jack Miller (DE-410) in the Pacific theater of the Second World War. He rose to the rank of lieutenant commander. The Jack Miller saw a considerable amount of combat against the Japanese Navy, and in late August 1945, Royster was among the first group of American officers to see the ruins of the Japanese city of Nagasaki (destroyed by the second atomic bomb dropped on Japan). After the war ended Royster resumed his career at the WSJ. He was editor-in-chief of the editorial page from 1958-1971, and served as Editor Emeritus until his death in 1996.

What does Vermont Royster and the WSJ have to do with us? Through our membership in SAR, we perpetuate the stories of the men who achieved the independence of the American people. We believe that these stories are universal ones of man’s eternal struggle against tyranny, and are relevant to all time. We also believe that these stories can inspire and strengthen each succeeding generation as it too is called upon to defend our freedoms on the battlefield and in our public institutions. With that introduction, permit me to quote the final lines of “In Hoc Anno Domini” (you may recognize the words of the Apostle Paul from his letter to the Galatians):

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

It has been my privilege to serve you in 2014. Merry Christmas.

Very respectfully,

William W. “Bill” Price, President

Fairfax Resolves, SAR