CITIZENSHIP AND PATRIOTISM

Governor Tawes was always available to address gatherings
dedicated to promoting citizenship and patriotism. He spoke
of pride in country with a sincerity born of a deep know-
ledge of the historical role Maryland had played in the
founding of this nation.

ADDRESS, FLAG DAY CEREMONIES

FLAG HOUSE SQUARE, BALTIMORE

June 14, 1959

I am happy to join with you on this occasion to pay homage to
the flag of our country. It is most proper that we should do this.
The flag is the perpetual symbol of our nation. When we honor the
flag, we signify our devotion to the nation for which it stands.

Our presence here today reaffirms our dedication to the principles
and processes of government established by our founding fathers
and maintained and supported through the years by generations of
our people.

Marylanders, and especially the people of Baltimore, know well the
history and meaning of our flag. And indeed they should, for no
other flag has ever flown over this city since we became a nation. No
other city, dating from colonial times, has been equally fortunate,
not even our nation's capitall

Maryland's observance of Flag Day should have its center in
Baltimore. And at this very spot, for here is the home of the woman
whose artistry and labor created the flag which inspired the gallant
defense of Fort McHenry. In this modest home there came into being
the very flag "whose broad stripes and bright stars, " emblazoned in
the dawn's early light, kindled the fiery genius of Francis Scott Key.
From this home the handiwork of Mary Pickersgill went forth into
immortality as The Star Spangled Banner. That banner, now in the
custody of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, was described
recently as one of the nation's most priceless possession. That flag
was born of the travail of war, Maryland's war—Maryland against
the might of the British Empire.

We all know the story only too well—Washington sacked and burned,
the President and his Lady forced to flee for their very lives, many

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