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State Papers and Addresses

Sensing the imminent induction of our then National Guard into the Fed-
eral Service, we made plans in the fall of 1940 for the present Maryland State
Guard, which shortly thereafter was set up with the advice and cooperation of
the military authorities of this area.

It was before the Kiwanis Club of Baltimore on September 12, 1940, that
1 announced plans for the organization of the State Guard. I took occasion to
mention to you at that time that the Defenders Day of 1940 had a much different
meaning than ever before.

I quote from my comments of that day as follows:

"Defenders Day now puts1 off its costume of knee breeches and powdered
wigs and frock coats to become a pageant in terms of steel helmets and
tanks and aircraft. This year we should observe Defenders Day in three dimen-
sions of time; first, with veneration for what it has meant in the past; secondly,
with a knowledge of what it means at present; and, finally with a determination
for what it shall mean in the future. "

When war was declared, Maryland was ready for the shock. Within a
matter of hours after the President's memorable address to the Congress the
Maryland State Guard was on active duty, and from that moment until now
strategic bridges, public utilities, and other points designated by the Third
Army Corps Area officials have been under 24 hour guard.

Later, again after consultation with Major General Reckord, a call was
issued for Maryland Minute Men, to form a reserve defense force to serve in
the various localities of the State. This force of 15, 000 men today is under-
going valuable training. Many of them had their own guns, or since have been
supplied with guns. Under the supervision of officers of the State Guard, they
have had enough basic instructions to fit them properly to defend their homes
and neighborhoods against any attack that might befall.

Today, to the credit of Maryland's patriotic men and women, let it be said
that there are close to 200, 000 volunteers listed in the various services, in the
Air Craft Warning Service, as Air Raid Wardens, Auxiliary Firemen and
Policemen, members of Decontamination and Rescue Squads, Nurses' Aids, Red
Cross workers, and in all the various categories.

Too much credit cannot be given these patriotic individuals who, long after
the first thrill of their now duties was past, still have stuck conscientiously to
their task and today are a group of whom Maryland or any State in the Country
could well be proud.

It is entirely proper in recognition of what all volunteers in Maryland have
dune, to point out that unusual distinction has come to Maryland for her accomp-
lishments in the various fields of defense and war effort.

The Council of Defense, one of the first to be set up in the Country, has
served as a pattern for Defense Councils in numerous other states. Likewise,
the Selective Service System in Maryland, whose members I named at the re-
quest of President Roosevelt, have performed their duties so capably that they
have been referred to more than once by Washington officials as an example of