660 State Papers and Addresses

AWARD OF PURPLE HEART DECORATIONS

MEADOWRIDGE MEMORIAL PARK

April 19, 1942

Dorsey

THE cermonies here today, in which a grateful Government and people pay
tribute to the courage and devotion of outstanding military heroes of World
War No. I, will find an echo in the hearts of every loyal American.

The truest test of patriotism is willingness to fight, and die if need be
for the security of the Nation and the safety of its people. In honoring these
twenty Maryland veterans of the first war with the Purple Heart award, you
are honoring all who serve today in world-wide battle areas. For every soldier
who offers himself valiantly is a potential recipient of the decoration being ac-
corded here today.

No honor can be too great, no praise too lavish, for the thousands of our
men, and our women, who went forth to save Democracy in 1917-1918, or who
today are fighting the battle of decency throughout the world. The AEF in
that first great struggle, set a standard of fighting performance that will be an
inspiration to their sons and successors in this new conflict that has engulfed
the world.

High station in life entails great responsibilities. America's prestige
among the nations of the world makes it her duty to assume leadership in the
bitter fight between the forces of slavery, and those who would preserve for the
peoples of all the world the rights and freedoms guaranteed to us under the
Constitution of our Country.

The issue has been put squarely up to this Country. So great have been
the successes of the brutal Axis armies that it is apparent to all that no free
peoples could survive without the active and all-out assistance of this Nation.
The future of humanity is in America's care—it is in the hands of our gallant
airmen and Navy and ground forces, and of the nurses and doctors and supply
forces that are working so splendidly to keep them fighting and flying. It is in
the hands, too, of every American working man and woman who is aiding in
the production of war material.

All credit to the men who are bearing the brunt of our fighting in this
war, so fittingly represented by these wounded veterans of the other World War.
Our people salute them, and assure them that while they are fighting the good
fight of Democracy and humanity, we here at home are seeking, by work and
scarifice, to be worthy of the privileges they are fighting to maintain for us.

We will guard the home front. It will be. our patriotic duty to assure
continued, increasing production of planes and tanks and ships and guns; we
will be on the alert to prevent sabotage or internal hostile acts that might de-
stroy morale; we will give according to, and beyond our financial ability, to see