For, while he was the State's highest medical officer, he was also the
same man who had served as a general practitioner in Washington
County for 22 years. The contributions that are made by dedicated
and devoted public servants such as Dr. Prather cannot be measured
simply by listing them. For they have enriched the lives of all those
who had the good fortune to know them and to work with them. The
inspiration given by Dr. Prather to his subordinates will reflect to his
credit in the years ahead and this, perhaps, is his greatest legacy. His
service will inspire others to follow in his footsteps, to reach a bit
higher than they believed they could and to shore up their resolve to
serve their fellow man.

As Governor of Maryland, I can appreciate perhaps a bit more than
most the important role that individuals such as Dr. Prather occupy
in governmental affairs. I can assure you that the burdens of executive
office are indeed lighter, the decisions in the field of public health
indeed easier to make, when the one occupying such an office has public
servants such as Dr. Prather to rely upon for advice and guidance.

In closing, permit me to make but one observation. It was brought
to my attention that Mrs. Prather who, as the former Miss Jessie
Williams, was a social worker, is fond of saying that she never closed
the case on Dr. Prather. I can assure you, Mrs. Prather, that the people
of Maryland share your feeling and we, too, shall never close the case
on Dr. Prather. He will always remain close to our hearts.

REMARKS, "FOCAL POINT, POVERTY"

MORGAN STATE COLLEGE

Decembers, 1964

It is, indeed, a pleasure for me to once again open a Focal Point
discussion program and I know that all the citizens of Maryland join
with me in commending WJZ-TV and Morgan State College, the
Baltimore Health and Welfare Council and the Steering Committee
for a plan of action for human renewal, for presenting this splendid
program as a public service.

Having had the privilege of serving the people of Maryland in one
capacity or another for 34 years, I have come to fully understand and
appreciate the need for public awareness if any of the major problems
that afflict our society today are to be solved or, in some way, alleviated.
This public awareness can only come about if the major medias of