of Governor Herbert R.. O'Conor 477

with this regatta, the patriotic achievements of our citizenry during that bygone
period. For today, amidst the turmoil that has gripped the world, there is no
telling but that history may possibly repeat itself, and that Marylanders may
be called upon again to rally patriotically to the defense of their firesides.

Certainly, everyone within the "sound of my voice tonight will join with me
in hoping and praying that such a development may never transpire. How-
ever, we have only to cast our eyes in the direction of Russia today; we have
only to think of the onslaughts that Britain has heroically resisted during the
past many months, to realize that we would, indeed, be foolish if we were to
sit back complacently and console ourselves with the thought that such things
couldn't happen here.

Our Country has embarked upon an international policy which has been
deemed the proper one by our duly elected leaders in Washington. It is a
policy based upon the belief that is to America's best interests to lend all
possible material aid to those who are fighting the battle against brute force,
in order that this threat to world security may be disposed of without the
necessity of our active participation in the struggle.

Here in our own State, while lending every support to the activities of
the Federal Government, we are taking the necessary additional steps that
have been indicated for the proper safeguarding of our State, its citizens and
their properties. Through the State Council of Defense and its subordinate
agencies, we are arranging for the participation of great numbers of our
citizenry in defense activities designed to supplement any action of cur regu-
larly organized military forces.

On a day like this, which memorializes the heroic deed of two young men
of Maryland, it is appropriate, indeed, to remind the people of Maryland
again that, if the worst should come, if this Nation should finally become
embroiled in the wars now raging throughout most of the world, there will
be opportunity for every patriotic Marylander to lend his or her services in
the defense of their homes and loved ones.

Our State Guard, which will be available for all types of home defense and
emergency, still has need of recruits and the officers of the various battalions
will be glad, indeed, to receive applications from men of any age.

As the various other defense units concerned are ready to accept volunteers
for instruction and definite assignment, publicity to this effect will be carried
in the newspapers and everyone will have an opportunity to lend their as-
sistance.

During these next two days, the people of Baltimore and Maryland have a
cordial invitation from Maryland Yacht Club officials to attend the regatta
and witness the various interesting events that will -be staged, particularly
the concluding spectacle on Sunday evening, September 15, when the bombard-
ment of Fort McHenry will be re-enacted in fireworks. No true Marylander
could view this stirring sight, I am confident, without going back in spirit to
that memorable night in 1814, and without vowing that, come what may, he
will be one of the many thousands of Marylanders of today who will suffer
much, or sacrifice all if necessary, to safeguard those democratic institutions
that are the very foundation of our free existence in America.