During the past five and a half years that I have had the privilege
of serving as chief executive of this great State, it has been my earnest
desire to promote various safety programs for the benefit of our citizens.
To me, these are essential if we are to reduce to the absolute minimum
accidents caused as a result of human carelessness. Every year, in May,
the Governor's Safety-Health Conference is held in Baltimore and
attended by representatives of hundreds of business firms in Maryland
and also by all State departments. The purpose of this conference
is to interest citizens in safety and to transmit new ideas on reducing

industrial accidents.

Not very long ago, I journeyed to Memphis, Tennessee, to discuss
various programs for fire prevention and control for Maryland long
has been a recognized leader in this field. Thus, it is only natural
that we should promote safety on our highways with the same zeal
and energy that we promote safety in our homes and factories. I
assure you that, as Governor of Maryland, I shall continue to devote
the energies and resources of this State to the battle against traffic
fatalities and industrial and home accidents.

I note that today's luncheon will also serve to inaugurate the safe
driving campaign for the Fourth of July weekend. This campaign—
"Lights on for Safety"—has the unqualified support of traffic safety
enthusiasts and I assure you that it also have mine. Not only am I
interested in the welfare of my fellow citizens, but I also am interested
in having the privilege of telling my good friend, Governor Fannin,
that Maryland has surpassed Arizona in the field of traffic safety.

In closing, permit me once again to publicly commend the person-
nel of the various State departments that have earned for Maryland
an outstanding reputation in the field of traffic safety. These awards
today are a tribute to their dedication to the welfare of their fellow
citizens and to their skill in their respective professions.

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