The idea for today's student leadership breakfast actually began last
spring and the first breakfast was held at Carvel Hall in Annapolis on
April 25th, with approximately 140 student leaders attending. The
purpose behind the breakfast is to foster a firmer grasp of moral
and spiritual values among all Americans but particularly among stu-
dents. It is our hope that the idea for student leadership breakfasts will
eventually extend to every campus and that groups will be formed to
help fellow students meet and solve the moral and spiritual problems
that arise.

In today's world, a great deal of emphasis is placed on creating a
healthy environment so that our children may grow strong and free
from the ravages of disease and malnutrition. We expend vast amounts
of our diplomatic and financial resources in attempting to secure an
atmosphere free from contamination and water safe from pollution.
And while it is right and proper that we should endeavor to create a
happy and healthy physical environment, we should also take care to
attend to spiritual and moral needs. I fear that, too often, modern
society like the picture of Dorian Gray, presents a beautiful facade for
public display but beneath the veneer, it is being attacked by un-
healthy decay. It is for the purpose of rekindling the interest of many
of our people, particularly our young people, in preserving and build-
ing upon the heritage of spiritual and moral values that have been
bequeathed us by our forefathers, that these student leadership break-
fasts are being held. Whatever measure of success we achieve will be
reflected not only in our own lives but in the lives of those around
us and in the activities of business and government.

Frequently, in discussions with various religious groups both within
and without Maryland, I have commented on the significant influence
that moral and religious beliefs have had on the development of
America. Moral and spiritual beliefs have always formed the founda-
tion for our vibrant society and they must be kept free from debase-
ment if this nation is to continue to function as the citadel of freedom
in a turbulent world. This is the goal we seek and it is my hope that
you will carry back to your respective campuses the idea of either
inaugurating or continuing student leadership breakfasts.

Many things have been said and written about prayer, of course, but
I recall especially this saying from the Russian novelist, Dostoyevsky:
"Be not forgetful of prayer, " he cautioned, "every time you pray, if

485