of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 555

deceits. The price of liberty is eternal vigilance. That maxim was never more
true than it is today.

We need hardly be told how vital this matter is. AH of us have been shown,
an example of home defense that must be still vivid in our minds. There is
only one foe of Hitler on whose soil no German invader has laid his foot.
History will tell us in its own good time how much England owes to its civilian
defenders. In the dark days of Dunkirk, it was the Home Guard who stood
watch on the white cliffs and patrolled the roads and seashores against attack.
And behind these grim guardsmen were thousands of armed reserves and as-
sistants—Red Cross nurses, volunteer ambulance and canteen workers, sky
watchers and scouts.

That then is our example. It needs no dressing up. If we are put to the
same test we shall not be found wanting. Fortunately, we have this opportunity
for preparation. The better our organization, the better our chances of fore-
stalling that fearful ordeal. There is not a man or woman in Maryland who
cannot do service in Civilian Defense. Let us therefore join hands in this effort
which is not only toward our personal salvation but toward the salvation of all
humanity.