Courage in the Storm


The impressive and inspiring spectacle we have witnessed displays the vigour and efficiency of the civil defense forces. They have grown up in the stress of emergency. They have been shaped and tempered by the fire of the enemy, and we saw them all, in their many grades and classes—the wardens, the rescue and first-aid parties, the casualty services, the decontamination squads, the fire services, the report and control centre staffs, the highways and public utility services, the messengers, the police. No one could but feel how great a people, how great a nation we have the honour to belong to. How complex, sensitive, and resilient is the society we have evolved over the centuries, and how capable of withstanding the most unexpected strain.

I must, however, admit that when the storm broke in September, I was for several weeks very anxious about the result. Sometimes the gas failed; sometimes the electricity. There were grievous complaints about the shelters and about conditions in them. Water was cut off, railways were cut or broken, large districts were destroyed, thousands were killed, and many more thousands were wounded. But there was one thing about which there was never any doubt. The courage, the unconquerable grit and stamina of our people, showed itself from the very outset. Without that all would have failed. Upon that rock, all stood unshakable. All the public services were carried on, and all the intricate arrangements, far-reaching details, involving the daily lives of so many millions, were carried out, improvised, elaborated, and perfected in the very teeth of the cruel and devastating storm.

Which is the main idea of this passage?

A) Civil service workers who have responded successfully to emergencies deserve accolades and praise.
B) The storm that broke in September killed thousands of people and damaged a lot of property.
C) During the storm, the effected population was taken care of in the most efficient manner.
D) The civil defense forces consist of the wardens, rescue and first-aid parties, casualty services, decontamination squads, fire services, report and control centre staffs, highways and public utility services, messengers, and police.