of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 599

DORCHESTER COUNTY DEFENSE REVIEW AND MEETING

CAMBRIDGE ARMORY

February 1, 1942

Cambridge

TODAY, as America enters upon the third month of the war, a war which
has been forced upon us, we can point to American forces engaged in far-
fixing activities. American boys, under the command of two splendid Maryland
officers, have landed in the British Isles. Lads from this and the other 47 states
are on the high seas, either bound for the various seats of military and naval
activities, or engaged in the very important duty of patrolling our Coasts and
supply and convoy routes.

Enemy submarines today are active along the Atlantic Coast and are
making their appearance in other waters far too close to our native land for
comfort. Maryland youths are in all the services of our Country, facing im-
mediate or possible danger from treacherous enemies now ranged against us.

The first shock of Pearl Harbor has passed away, but the memory of that
treacherous attack, and the bitter but valuable lessons learned from it, are
vivid in our minds. It is imperative that we keep these memories alive. Never
again must we be unprepared or caught off guard! The very future of our
Country could well be changed by any such future lapses.

On the home front, our people have swung into action to organize for the
complete defense of their homes and the State' strategic points against sudden
attack. The splendid demonstration of county defense power, which we have
been privileged to witness this afternoon, is typical of the activities that are
progressing uninterruptedly throughout Maryland.

Through county-wide meetings, the citizenry has been aroused fully, let
us hope, to the dangers and needs of the movement. A moment's reflection will
cause every one to realize that lor their own safety—the safety of their lives,
limbs, and property—each, unavoidably, must stand ready to take part in the
doing of the job. Bombs know no class or condition—they fall on, and blast
each one alike.

No one is or can be exempt from the necessities of this Civlilian Defense
movement. Just as your everyday county life and activities are being centered
more and more, and will continue to be moulded with increasing directness
around the hub of defense, -so the functions and everyday administration of
the State have of necessity been realized in accordance with the tremendous
obligation laid upon us during this emergency.

Maryland's State business today is almost entirely a matter of war and
defense preparedness. In the eight weeks. since Pearl Harbor, the State's ac-
tivities, including those of the Governor and Executive Staff, the State boards