413 State Papers c, and Addresses

tremendously challenging and fascinating one. Certain it is, at any rate, that
with the splendid educational attainments that are yours as the result of your
years here at National Park College, you are equipped to assume fully the
responsibilities that will be laid upon you. Further, you have the heartening
satisfaction of knowing that you will be afforded the opportunity to do your
full share in whatsoever may be required to preserve our national security
and dignity.

Coming, as you do, from the majority of states of the Union, you present
a composite picture of young womanhood of America. Seeing you here, know-
ing the advantages that have been yours, it is obvious that America is to be
congratulated upon having available many thousands of capable, thoughtful
young women like yourselves. On behalf of the State of Maryland and as Chief
Executive of one of the Sovereign Forty-eight States, I cordially welcome you
to the field of national effort and, indeed, charge you to devote yourselves and
your capacities to the fullest in the service of your Nation and its people. For
it must be remembered that as you have been specially favored in the way of
culture and education, you will be specially charged with corresponding re-
sponsibility of leadership.

The America that is ours today is the grandest conception of government
ever known. It was built by toil and sacrifice, but the privileges and freedom
thus guaranteed, are worth all of the toil and sacrifice that has been entailed,
or that ever could be required in their defense.

There are millions of young women throughout the world today who would
give much, sacrifice much, to have your chance at the advantages that America
affords. These young people, ambitious like yourselves, have seen their coun-
tries overrun by devastating hoards, and now find themselves not only deprived
of the educational opportunities, but also facing a future in which despair
replaces ambition, and in which there is little of encouragement.

Going forth from a system of education that has given so much to everyone
of you, it is seriously to be hoped that you take with you a deep and thorough
appreciation of what it means to be an American, and of how necessary it is
that our American system of democratic government be preserved and trans-
mitted to those to come after us. Democracy, as we know it here in America,
is a sacred trust placed in our hands, not to do with as we will, not to be
abridged or destroy. It is our sacred responsibility to preserve and strengthen
it as far as lies within our power, so that new generations coming along may
enjoy the same freedom, the same incentive to advancement that were ours.

So much talk about national affairs, and defense, and about your responsi-
bilities, may seem a little strange to you young graduates, to whom, perhaps,
Commencement might seem rather a time for enjoyment and relaxation.

Even amidst the pleasant circumstances attending these Graduation Ex-
ercises today, we cannot, we dare not, forget, one fact. That is, that if we
are to insure for graduates of the future, the same educational advantages, the
same free privileges that have been yours, we must be alert today as were the
Minute Men at Lexington, to detect and repel the onslaughts that all of us
must realize may be launched against our shores at any time.