of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 755

long as America stands she is a beacon in the sky, a promise in the heavens to
all the down-trodden peoples of the earth. As long as the torch of liberty burns
in our land, there is light upon the earth, there is hope, and there is incentive
to rise against the oppressor.

No, there is no denying these moral emities. There is no dodging the
responsibilities. Even if we wished it, America could not help being the symbol
of world-wide hope. We have been just that for three hundred years. It was
to the New World that the victims of old oppressions began to look—back in the
seventeenth century. It was to the North American colonies that the experi-
menters in workable Democracy first came and set up constitutional, responsive
governments.

It was on this continent that the first great and enduring union of free
peoples was instituted. It was to this Country that the fugitives from agressors
migrated in search of what they could not obtain at home. It was in this very
county of St. Mary's that there first was established an asylum of toleration to
which the oppressed of all the world might turn. Small wonder, indeed, if the
eyes of Europe still turn west—some with longing; some with jealousy. And
well may it be said of America—that she is loved for the enemies she has made.

Just as the world of chivalry in ages past looked to its gallant youth, so
today America and the United Nations look to our youth and to all the valiant
young men enlisted in the many services of America and her Allies.

For let us remember that the future still belongs to the youth of the world.
It is going to be whatever you make of it. The flame of liberty burns inside the
human heart, and it will not die in hearts that are ardent with courage and
determination. Yours is he heritage of brave hearts and bright souls. Yours
is the legacy of freedom and of glory. Be it yours, too, to keep that which our
forefathers won and bequeathed to us.

Optimism and confidence, based upon determination and resolute action,
should be the watchwords of the day. America will say "yes" when the question
is asked whether we can organize and discipline ourselves to meet the efficiency
and brute force of the dictator nations, without impairing our system of Govern-
ment or losing our essential rights.

Whatever sacrifices are necessary will be made. Whatever cost is required,
will be met. Whatever temporary adjustments are essential, will be arranged.

We of this generation, will keep faith with our forefathers. We will pre-
serve the Nation they founded, and we will pass on to our descendants the same
Democratic form of Government, and the same individual liberty and freedom
which always have been and, God willing, always will be the heritage of the
American people.