Sturdy son of New England, where American democracy was born, and had its first flowering.

Dauntless defender of the right in government.

Lifelong advocate of countless of causes for the redemption and advancement of the civic and cultural life of New York City.

Generous contributor of his energies and resources, teaching, assisting and inspiring schools and communities, to provide opportunities for youth to learn and practice those steps in self government as a necessary preparation for their larger civic responsibilities.

Trustee and President of the George Junior Republic Association, and Co-sponsor of the Boys' Brotherhood Republic, of New York City, Inc.; continuing his enthusiastic interest, friendship, and his devotion to its citizenship training program until his life's end.

Founder of the National Self Government, Inc. Dedicating his tremendous energy to its program, "To develop the alert citizens needed in a democracy by practice in schools, colleges and other youth groups."

Convinced that one learns by experience and not by precept, he sought tirelessly to have our schools serve as laboratories of democracy. A persistent civic reformer, and a champion of the merit system, he never wavered in his conviction that the way to good government lay in the active participation of informed citizens. This requires that the education of our children include not only the facts and the inspiration of civic education, but also practical experiences in good citizenship at school.

Richard Welling's memory continues to inspire us. He was a student of government; he loved and respected the ideals of our democracy. He gladly dedicated his life to make our government as great as it should be.