of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 621

CIVILIAN DEFENSE—HYATTSVILLE ARMORY
RADIO STATIONS WJSV, WASHINGTON AND WCAO, BALTIMORE

March 14, 1942
Hyattsville

Gathered here tonight, as we are, in the Hyattsville Armory, almost
within the shadow of the stately Capitol building of our National Govern-
ment, one can almost sense, from the very atmosphere, the gravity of the threat
that hangs above the City that is the nerve center of our Nation.

It is entirely fitting that the occasion for this important gathering is the
furtherance of Civilian Defense and other defensive measures in this section
and throughout our State. Particularly must the people of this vicinity, living
as close as they do to the very life-spring of free Government, realize and ac-
cept the grave responsibility that rests upon them. Not only is Washington
today the capitol of the United States, but in very truth it may be termed the
capital of all the Nations, banded together to destroy the curse of Axis slavery.

Your very presence at this rally is heartening indication that the people of
Prince George's County and, indeed, all the people of Maryland, understand and
accept the patriotic challenge that has been laid before them.

The war in which we are now engaged is completely different in many of
its aspects from any the world has ever known. Because the development of
the airplane and the use of mechanized equipment has made possible invasion
by air, as well as by land, in ways never before attempted, there develops upon
the civilian population of our entire Country, and particularly of such areas; as
the Washington suburban territory, the duty of cooperation to the fullest, as
individuals, in the common defense.

It has always been the policy of invading forces to attempt to strike quickly
and devastatingly at the capitol of an invaded country. We may well be sure,
therefore, that our brutal enemies will make such an attempt if they ever think
that there is the slightest possibility of any success. Thus is is vital, indeed,
that the people of Prince George's, and. of all the territory in our State adjacent
to the Nation's Capitol, be prepared thoroughly in defensive measures of every
kind, be organized so completely that nothing the enemy can attempt will de-
moralize us or nullify our efforts.

It is hardly necessary to remind you, I am sure, because it is so evident
that Washington cannot have complete assurances of protection against surprise
attack unless the Aircraft Spotters and all the other Civilian Defense workers
in this Metropolitan Area are continually on the alert to warn against ap-
proaching attack, and to function in case of any possible disaster or emergency.

It is encouraging, therefore, to see such convincing evidence of your
Country's preparedness. If ever the worst should come, and Washington or any
other nearby area should experience the horror of enemy bombing, we at least