REMARKS ON NATIONAL 4-H WEEK
February 16, 1962

In an age where increasing understanding and cooperation is so
vital to our very well being, it is an honor to commend an organiza-
tion so close to home for their efforts in bringing peoples of the
world together. I am speaking of the 4-H youth organization which
currently is celebrating National 4-H Club Week, March 3-10.

Fifteen thousand strong in Maryland and two and one third
million in number throughout the nation, these young boys and
girls represent the heads, hearts, hands and health of the world to
the "glory of God and for the brotherhood of man. "

For example, as participants this year in the International Farm
Youth Exchange program, approximately 125 American 4-H youths
will strengthen understanding and bonds of good will among the
peoples of 46 countries, while 4-H families in the United States will
host the foreign exchangees. These junior ambassadors engaged in
the People-to-People program attempt to change misconceptions about
the life and people of the United States through conversation, in-
formal talks before groups similar to 4-H and by their own examples.
When they return to this country after their six-month stay, they will
share their experiences with youth groups, industrial conferences
and community meetings and through radio, television and the press.

This year, I would especially like to extend my best wishes to Miss
Elsie Dodds of Rising Sun who will represent Maryland as an I. F. Y. E.
delegate in Sweden, beginning in April.

One need not stray to the world scene, however, to see evidences
of 4-H handiwork. And one need not look only to rural areas to find
4-H club work contributing to home, family and community life as
well as to individual growth. As our cities grow and expand, the
needs and interests of our former rural and now suburban areas must
be met. The State 4-H Club program, which is conducted by the
University of Maryland and the U. S. Department of Agriculture in
cooperation with your county government, is constantly altering and
improving its program in order to best serve the public.

Dedicated to making better citizens today of tomorrow's leaders,
emphasis is placed on leadership, public speaking, self-reliance and
community participation through mental, spiritual and physical devel-
opment. Helping to provide incentive and recognition to the 4-H
boys and girls are a multitude of private enterprises in the State and

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