of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor . 67&

organization. One of these branches, the Aircraft Warning System, has spot-
ters in every section of the State to warn of the approach of hostile aircraft.
These reports come in through "filter centers" to "information centers. "

When the Control Center receives warning of approaching planes, the local
forces of civilian protection are brought into play. If it is night-time, a black-
out is ordered, air raid wardens get people into shelter, (auxiliary firemen) and
policemen take their posts, fire watchers report to locate falling bombs, mes-
sengers and drivers report for duty under the direction of the Staff Corps;
emergency medical services, ambulances, first aid stations and hospitals are
readied for prompt faction. Demolition, road repair and bombing disposal
squads prepare to function as they may be needed. Emergency food and
housing units assemble to care for those whose homes are bombed; and rescue
squads arrive to remove persons who may be trapped in wreckage.

With so many important phases of Civilian Defense, it is easy to picture
how many workers would be required in all these specialized fields should, for
instance, a city the size of Hagerstown or Baltimore be subject to severe aerial
bombardment.

When and if bombs actually begin to fall on any part of Maryland, and
people are injured, buildings are 'demolished, huge conflagrations started, per-
haps water and light and gas services disrupted, it doesn't take a very imagi-
native mind to comprehend how much work—speedy, intelligent, well-planned
and well-supervised work—will be required to safeguard the health and other
interests of our population during such a crisis.

Washington County had the honor of giving to the service of our Country
the first Marylander killed in this new World War. The family of Staff Ser-
geant Joseph C. Herbert, of Clear Spring, have the profound sympathy of the
entire people of our State. The memory of Sergeant Herbert will remain as
long as Maryland archives endure. All the more reason, therefore, why resi-
dents of Washington County should feel themselves under solemn obligations
to do, and to give and to sacrifice, without end, so that other mothers and other
families of future years may raise their sons without fear of treacherous ag-
gression, such as was responsibility for Sergeant Herbert's death.

No one could fail to be thrilled at the story of the woman who walked
into defense headquarters in a Northern state, asking for an opportunity to
build ships, or to help make cannon. Her husband was a marine on Wake
Island, she stated simply, and she wanted to do anything she could to wipe out
the aggressive forces that, at that moment, were still trying to wipe out the
gallant marine defenders of that little Island. Those aggressors will be wiped
out, too, completely and devastatingly, if not only the residents of Washington
County, but every resident of America responds to the demands of Civilian
Defense, or gives to some defense industry all the energies and capabilities he
possesses.

I might cite with satisfaction that among the first of the industries to
recognize their responsibilty in property protection was the Fairchild Air-
craft Company of your City. At their request I have commissioned Special
Policemen, who now are on duty, insuring that nothing will happen to impede
the very important work that concern is doing for National Defense.