388 ADDRESSES AND STATE PAPERS

the conscience and the courage that demanded that conviction be
translated into action. Sam Hammerman was, above all, a great citizen,
whose name does honor to this area as this area is dedicated in tribute
to his name.

Gunpowder State Park will soon encompass 11, 600 acres; it will
contain a man-made beach to accommodate 900 bathers; it will offer
diversified recreational opportunities and it is readily accessible to
60 percent of our State's population. Its rugged valley and serene river
will provide an unparalleled natural retread-
One cannot help but speculate and hope that as present and future
citizens enjoy the peace and beauty of these wild woodlands, one,
several, perhaps many among them will come to share Sam Hammer-
man's intuitive love of the land, Sam Hammerman's sense of the unity
of nature and humanity, Sam Hammerman's realization that the gifts
which nature and life provide cannot be accepted as idle rewards but
demand repayment through public service and commitment to the
community.

Were it not for S. L. Hammerman — and men like him — these
public parklands would not exist in this State at this time. We can but
hope that as we have learned to preserve land, we shall be fortunate
enough to learn how to inspire and produce more men like Sam
Hammerman.

For as we cannot afford to diminish our natural resources, even less
can we fail to replenish our human resources. All progress in our
community, all fulfillment of our collective and individual aspirations
depends equally upon the preservation of nature's gifts and the per-
petuation of dedicated citizen leadership.

Therefore, if it were not for Sam Hammerman's determination
neither to disrupt nor to deface even one tree on public parkland, I
would suggest that one saying be posted throughout our State's parks
— so that as our citizens played or rested they might be dramatically
inspired by Sam Hammerman's vision and wisdom. A simple, compact
phrase that in many ways has brought us to this day of dedication;
that in many ways is responsible for the extent and character and
quality of Gunpowder and all our State's parks. One neat and true
and universal saying: "Nothing happens by itself. "