Thus modern Maryland continues its historic association with the
flag of our country. The authorities arranging the event anticipate
some 30 or 40 thousand persons will attend.

Yes, it is most fitting for Marylanders to honor and revere our
flag. This hallowed spot on which we stand today is the one place in
all the world where our flag flies legally by act of Congress 24 hours
a day. Even our nation's Capitol is not so honored. Here, too, the
15-star flag of 1812 flies legally, also 24 hours a day. Just across the
fine Baltimore harbor, at Fort McHenry is the only other place in
the whole world where our flag flies legally 24 hours a day. The flag
flies 24 hours a day over Fort McHenry by proclamation of President
Harry S. Truman. No other spot in the world is so honored.

I have been told that our flag flies 24 hours a day at seven places
in the world. Other places are the nation's Capitol, where the flag
flies by custom only; a war memorial in Massachusetts; Mt. Surabachi
on Iwo Jima and the grave and birthplace of Francis Scott Key in
Frederick, Maryland. In each of these instances the flag is flown not
legally but by custom only.

Four of the seven places where the flag flies 24 hours a day are in
Maryland. I call your attention also to the fact that fifth place—our
nation's capital—was once Maryland soil, and was generously given
to the nation as a site for our capital.

No other state can make a similar claim.

ADDRESS, MARYLAND CONFERENCE ON CITIZENSHIP

ANNAPOLIS
October 24, 1959

I was highly honored to have been chosen Honorary Chairman of
this fifth annual Maryland Conference on Citizenship, and it is a
great pleasure to be with you this morning at the opening of your
meeting. I have heard nothing but praise for the work that has been
done by the National Conference and its affiliated State organizations.
Considering its aims—to support, teach, inspire and encourage good
citizenship—I can think of no group which has a more laudable pur-
pose than the one you represent here today.

When we consider the heritage of a citizen of this country, it is
a little surprising that it is necessary to inspire and encourage good

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