of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor ' 749

Liberty is a weapon—a shining Sword. It must not be allowed to rust.
Freedom is what we make it. In the years of peace we have made it not
a buried treasure, but a good investment.

As a Nation, America has guaranteed rights and privileges to the
humblest citizen — just because he is a citizen. We have thanked no tyrant
for these blessings. We have not wrung our fortune from conquered nations.
America has not bowed to false gods, nor worked except for a better civiliza-
tion. Besides these evidences of physical well-being, we have kept the
spiritual pride with which is the mark and triumph of American citidenship.

So these are some things that the Flag means. These are some reasons
for the fight in which we are now engaged. We mean to keep these unmatched
American blessings. We mean to keep that flag flying.

Today, amid the menacing threats of Nazi and Japanese hordes, we can
treasure to our hearts the words of that great Marylander. Yes "Conquer we
must" —for, as in 1814, and in all the wars America has fought, before
and since, "Our cause it is just".

Like Key, we can cast our eyes Heavenward, with fullest confidence in
the Supreme Being whose precepts our American Constitution so well reflects,
saying:

"And the Star-Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. "

The Star Spangled Banner