of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 203

Only to the degree that we successfully cope with the many serious social
problems created by our changing modern system of living can we, as public
officials to whom has been entrusted the guidance of our people, truly claim to
have carried out our mission. Only to the degree that we find adequate solutions
for these social problems can we claim success in a changed world, where social
economy has come to be perhaps the most important consideration of all.

In the light of the thoughtful attention that is being focused upon these
and other weighty matters of government and administration here at this
Governors' Conference, as well as in the Halls of Congress in Washington, 1
am confident that the responsible heads of government will not fail in their task,
but that the desired objectives will be reached and our people of every age and
condition benefited immeasurably thereby.

Obviously all phases of this important topic have not been covered in this
discussion but if I have presented some thoughts that will be provocative of
further constructive discussion, some slight contribution has been made to a
tremendously important cause.

FLAG DAY—CUMBERLAND LODGE OF ELKS

June 9, 1940
Cumberland

IT is fitting, indeed, in these troublous times, when all about us we see tumbl-
ing down in ruins the cherished hopes and ideals of once proud nations,
that we should gather here today, in free America, to give public evidence of
our devotion to the flag that is the outstanding symbol of democratic self-
government. Not only is it the outstanding symbol of democracy but, judging
from the course of recent world affairs, it may soon be the emblem marking
the last frontier of democracy in the world.

Always an inspiring anthem, the "Star Spangled Banner, " in the light of
recent world events, impresses itself upon us anew as the grandest national
hymn ever written. No American worthy of the name, or worthy of the tradi-
tions and privileges that are his, can fail to experience a thrill in his every
fibre as he looks aloft today and finds that "our flag is still there. " Well may
we say with Francis Scott Key, "Oh! long may it wave, " for the forces at
work in the world today that are seeking to tear down the stars and stripes,
and destroy every last vestige of the liberties it symbolizes, are infinitely more
threatening than were the foreign hosts our Maryland forefathers resisted so
gallantly on that glorious September evening so may years ago.

Look fondly at our flag today, and all days, for if ever that flag is lowered
in surrender to the enemies of democracy, it will indeed be a sad day, for every
American and for liberty-loving persons elsewhere on the globe. The first
flag to rise above a land where the individual was recognized to have certain
inalienable rights, this same flag now still proudly waves above the last great
country where individual rights are still assured of preservation.

Even in the democracies of Great Britain and France, individual rights
have been submerged in the stress of war preparations, leaving the United