John Rich. Diary Entry

John Rich. Diary Entry

John F. Rich, a Haverford graduate (class of 1924) and a prominent Quaker, was an influential figure during the Quaker relief efforts of the Spanish Civil War. In his capacity as Public Relations Director and Relief Administrator for the American Friends Service Committee, he traveled to Spain to assess the devastation, to formulate a plan to assist the Spanish refugees, and to begin the process of shutting down the relief operations in Spain. He kept a diary during his travels, and on Thursday June 1st 1939 he wrote, “My birthday- 37 years old. I am glad to have been involved in this Spanish War and to have contributed something to its pacification. If I died today I at least could say I’ve done something worthwhile.” These heartfelt words express the Quaker testimony of peace and pacifism by showing his belief that actions to promote peace are of tremendous value, especially in the midst of total war.

John Rich Papers

6/1/1939

Maddie Arnold-Scerbo

Diary Entry