of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 471

blessings are ours because 'of the energy and toil of men and women who
wanted to go forward in this world. No gain was ever made without sacrifice
to somebody. Today America again demands sacrifices.

Though we are a younger Nation, our flag is older than the ensigns of
most of the other great nations of the world. For a century and a half it has
waved over a progressive and free people. It is the symbol of a glorious past,
of a precious present and of a hopeful future.

It not only guarantees rights, but it also imposes duties. It demands as
well as gives. It tells of struggle and sacrifice, of honor, loyalty and devotion
to all that is noble in man. The red in it stands for the precious blood shed by
our unselfish and valorous forefathers on the gory fields of battle; the white
in it signifies the purity of our purposes; the blue symbolizes the loyalty of an
undivided allegiance of its citizens.

The United States of America are many in one. Our life is made interest-
ing by our variety and strong by our unity. Our sphere is guided by our ideas
and ideals, our hopes and aspirations, our faith and brotherhood of cooperation.
If we are true to America, to the teachings of our fathers, we shall really in-
herit the earth. Then to you, the guardians of our treasury of patriotism, I
appeal for your every watchful vigilance in this our time of travail.