and fair that the Guardsmen's sacrifice of time and effort be shared
by their employers and by their wives and families.
I ask that all citizens of the State recognize that the result of this
effort will be a more secure America and Free World.
REMARKS, DINNER HONORING
LT. GENERAL MILTON A. RECKORD
PIKESVILLE ARMORY, PIKESVILLE
March 26, 1966
General Ogletree, General Gelston, other members of the Maryland
National Guard, family and friends of General Reckord:
We have met here this evening to render honor to a courageous
soldier, a distinguished public official, a truly illustrious Marylander.
I know of no man who has more marks of achievement on his personal
record than Lieutenant General Milton A. Reckord. He had already
attained high rank in the Army and wide recognition as a military
leader before most of his friends who are here this evening were born.
His distinguished military career began with the dawn of this cen-
tury, extended over two global wars and ended only recently with his
retirement as the Adjutant General of Maryland. The medals and
decorations he has received from our government, and from the
governments of foreign lands, are too numerous, almost to list. He has
held practically every grade and rank in the State and federal military
service—from private, after he had enlisted in the Maryland National
Guard in 1901, to Lieutenant General. I consider it one of the rare
privileges of my life to have known, and to have been associated closely
with, this remarkable man.
In 1959, when I took over the reins of government in Annapolis,
he suggested resigning from the position of Adjutant General. I
prevailed upon him to remain with me, which he did, as you know,
until a few months ago. I recall with a great deal of pleasure my
many associations with him, officially and personally. He made ar-
rangements for, and carried out, my two inaugurations. On the parade
ground at Camp A. P. Hill in 1961, I had the honor of presenting him
the Commission of Lieutenant General.
General Reckord is known as "Mr. National Guard, " and certainly
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