for Independence had begun. Nine years of hardship—of privation—
of suffering—of danger and death had ended, and they had ended
in success—ended here, on this hallowed ground, in this very building.

178 years have passed since that day in January, 1784, and this State
House is still the Capitol of our State.

I am proud to proclaim January 14th as Ratification Day, with the
hope that today, and on future Ratification Days, our people may
reflect upon this and other memorable occasions in our glorious history.

You may have noticed that the staff atop the State House dome
is bare this morning. This is because today, we Marylanders will fly
the Thirteen Star Flag from that staff, to mark the anniversary of
this great event in our nation's history. It is unusual for any banner
except Maryland's own State Flag to fly over our State House. Many-
persons here in Annapolis have never seen any but the Maryland Flag
flying from that place of honor. The law of our State provides that
the Maryland Flag shall be displayed from the staff atop the State
House on all legal holidays and upon such other occasions as the
Governor may decree. Today, it is my privilege to raise a Thirteen
Star Flag of the United States to that pinnacle of honor. Around
us are 12 other Thirteen Star Flags. When the Flag which I shall
now raise to the top of the dome is in place, all 13 of the colonies
which founded this nation will have been honored in this ceremony.

ADDRESS, THE VALLEY FORGE MEMORIAL CHAPEL
VALLEY FORGE, PENNSYLVANIA

February 18, 1962

I am highly honored to represent the State of Maryland here today
as we gather at this shrine of liberty to pay homage to the father
of our country.

George Washington, of course, belongs to all Americans, and we in
Maryland are not so provincial as to think that we are attached to
him in any way not enjoyed by other Americans. But in a sense we
do feel a singular attachment to him, for history and geography—
time and place—have concurred to keep the memory of our first
Commander-in-Chief, our first President, alive in the hearts of the
people of Maryland.

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