It is our hope that this "Law Day USA" may serve to marshal
public opinion in support of a respect for and obedience to our laws.

It is well for all of us to remember that responsibilities go with
rights — that every person owes service to his government in return
for the benefits he derives from that government In the final analysis
the rights of all of us depends on our devotion to the institutions
and principles which established those rights.

We must remember today that all of us are engaged in a mighty
struggle to maintain our system and to insure respect and support
for it among our fellow Americans.

ADDRESS, MARYLAND STATE POLICE GRADUATION
PIKESVILLE - June 15, 1961

One of the most effective morale builders in any military organi-
zation, our semi-military organization such as this, is what is called
"pride in outfit. "

You young men who are graduating in this forty-sixth recruit class
have every reason to be proud of the "outfit" you have joined, for
the Maryland State Police has achieved wide renown for its compe-
tence as a law-enforcement agency. The high standards it has set for
its operations you will be required to maintain. The diplomas which
are being awarded you here today are evidence of your capacity to
meet these standards.

It is no easy occupation that you have chosen. It requires on your
part courage, bravery, skill, intelligence and hard work. But it is an
honorable occupation, bearing with it the prestige of the sovereign
State which you represent.

It is also a responsible occupation, it being your duty to keep the
peace of the community and assure the faithful observance of the
laws enacted for the welfare of the people.

With the training you have received here, it is not necessary for
me to dwell upon the tremendous importance of law enforcement in
our society. It is well to remind ourselves, however, that a law does
not become effective when passed by the Legislature and signed by
the Governor. It becomes the law of the land when you, doing your
duty as law-enforcement officers, bring it to full prosecution in the
courts.

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