618 ADDRESSES AND STATE PAPERS

images — of Washington crossing the stormy Delaware; of the Con-
tinental Army in the freezing snow at Valley Forge; of Cornwallis
surrendering at Yorktown; and of the refreshing, new world diplomacy
that our nation's representatives, Benjamin Franklin and John Jay,
brought to the sophisticated councils of Europe.

In celebrating Ratification Day, we celebrate the birth of a nation
whose unity and courage was tested in battle; a nation whose diplo-
matic skill was proven in Paris. Ratification Day symbolizes the cul-
mination of one great effort — to be a united free nation — and the
beginning of another — to stay free and united. Maryland and Mary-
landers have shared in this story, too. Fort McHenry and Antietam
are monuments on our soil. So is the memory of our men who have
died in subsequent wars on foreign soil and who die today in Vietnam.

For with Ratification of the Treaty of Paris, the United States of
America not only assumed its place among the nations of the world
but assumed all the burdens and responsibilities of freedom and in-
dependence. And I believe we can all agree that our nation has met
its responsibilities and carried its burdens with honor; that each
generation has produced its share of great men to confront the great
and often terrifying events which have challenged our nation.

The fact that it was in this city of Annapolis and in this State
House that Ratification occurred has not failed to touch each of us
who lives and works here. As our nation and our State each day must
face problems that, at the moment, seem insurmountable — our living
history provides comfort and confidence. Last year, as I received con-
gratulations upon my inauguration as Maryland's Governor, the fact
that I was standing in the room where Jefferson and Washington once
stood was not lost on me.

The past is prologue to the future and the history that abounds
about us in Annapolis does influence and inspire us. Historic Annap-
olis, our capital's untiring historical and preservation society, merits
the recognition and gratitude of all our citizens for its efforts to save
the best architecture of three centuries, and to guide Annapolis's
growth so that our proud past is merged with — but not submerged
by — our dynamic present.

The Maryland Department of Economic Development deserves
special recognition, too, for it originated the first Ratification Day
ceremony several years ago. Its members and those of Historic An-
napolis are responsible for today's program and it is to their joint
credit that we have met to commemorate this historic event.