of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 745

MASS INDUCTION, FORT McHENRY

September 12, 1942

Baltimore

On this hallowed ground, immortalized by a great son of Maryland,
Francis Scott Key, it is inspiring, indeed, to participate with heroic sons of
Maryland in this historic ceremony.

The patriotism of Maryland's sons has been amply evidenced in every
war of our Country, Today, with thousands of our men and women serving
at battle stations throughout the world, and with names of many Marylanders
among the heroic casualities of this war, it is only in keeping with the State's
high traditions that we find these gallant young men ready to step into the
fray, anxious to battle shoulder to shoulder with their fellow-Marylanders
who already have entered one or other of the armed services.

Truly, our State will continue to do its share - yes, and vastly more than
its share - in the matter of men and money and materials. Maryland has
led the Nation in the proportionate number of naval enlistments, while her
sons in great numbers are serving in Army Units everywhere.

In the second great phase of today's warfare, the production battle for
fighting materials) - and more and more fighting materials - Maryland has
set a record that probably no other single State in the Union can match, in
proportion to its size and population.

In the financing of the war as well, the people here have shown their
willingness to aid. They will not fail to meet the quotas in war bond and
stamp sales, no matter how high it may be necessary to set them.

In this world-wide struggle against barbarism, America is facing her
supreme test and its people are meeting the challenge valiantly. To these
young men about to go forth on the supreme adventure of their lives, they
can know that Maryland will not forget them, will not let them down. Those
left behind will build the fighting materials they need, and will supply the
finances necessary to pay for them. Every loyal American will do his part
just as gallantly at home as we know these volunteers will do when once
they have arrived on the far-flung battle line.

Upon the shoulders of these young men, and the millions of their
fellow-American now ranged with them, will depend in great measure the
future happiness and security of all the world. As like true Americans, these
young men realize that no price, however high, is too stiff to pay for freedom.
Inspired by their example, we can do no less than pledge anew our fullest
efforts, our most complete cooperation in every effort that advances the
Nation's cause.

Only by complete Victory over our Axis foes, only by the most thorough
destruction of the vast war machines ranged against us, can the free peoples