710 State Papers and Addresses

ALLEGANY COUNTY DEFENSE DEMONSTRATION

June 28, 1942

Cumberland

As we are gathered here this afternoon, or as we go about our daily life in
our respective fields, there is one thought that must outweigh all other in the
mind of every American citizen. We must WIN THIS WAR in which we
are engaged. We MUST win it otherwise nothing else that we can do, no other
accomplishments that can be achieved, will have any lasting value.

This afternoon, in the very impressive ceremonies that have been taking
place, this one thought has been uppermost in our minds. And rightly so. More-
over, it must continue to occupy the foremost place in every thought, in every
plan made by us as a Nation and as a people. No repetition could ever dull the
the tremendously important fact that the fate of America, of all the world,
hangs in balance today—that unless America and the nations allied with her
in the defense of Democracy can win through to final, complete Victory, we
must be ready to accept such slavery and degradation as no unstanding Amer-
ican citizen could ever bear to face.

The more quickly Victory can be achieved, the less costly it will be in lives
and in the possessions of our people. However, no matter how long it may take,
no matter what the eventual cost may be in blood and toil, in sacrifice and in
money, the cost will be eternally justified if, as a people, we are able to retain
those priceless freedoms which have been America's heritage.

Within the past few days there was held in North Carolina, possibly the
most unusual meeting of State and Federal officials ever staged. Most of the
Governors of the forty-eight states were in attendance, with the heads of the
important war agencies of the United States Government, and the Ambassadors
from the United Nations.

There, too, the almost universal subject discussed was the winning of the
war, and the best methods by which the states could further the efforts of the
National Government in his direcion.

Reaffirmed there was a pledge of loyalty by all the states which, through
their Chief Executives, placed at the disposal of our Commander-in-chief, the
President, their every resource. Important steps already have been taken by
our State in this regards.

Acknowledgement was expressed by the National war leaders of the ef-
fective manner in which the states have handled for the government such in-
volved matters as Selective Service Registration and Administration of Ration-
ing, and the like. Admiration was expressed freely, too, at the way in which
the American people, though unversed in the ways of war, have accepted and
performed the arduous duties involved in National activities of such tremendous
scope.