92 State Papers and Addresses

Because veterans have done and are doing so much for Maryland, it is
only proper that the State give recognition wherever possible to the rights
of veterans through legislation for their welfare. I am happy to report to
you that such obligations as the State owes the veterans are being acknowl-
edged here and will continue to be recognized. In recent months far-reaching
provisions benefiting the veteran have been enacted into laws which give
preference to the veteran in seeking employment with the State, in whose
interest he served. A revised setup of the Veterans Commission has been
effected, which is designed to afford the fullest measure of benefit to the
veteran and his family. As Governor of the State, I pledge that the affairs of
this Commission will be administered without political or outside interference,
but with a determination to see that the benefits go where the law intends
they shall go, namely, to deserving veterans and their dependents.

Tonight, as the Chief Executive of a great State that possibly more than
any of the States of the Union has valued and fought for its priceless heritage
of freedom—a State that has resolutely and continuously refused to yield one
iota of its rights as a Free State, I greet you in the name of every Marylander,
as an organization that is truly worthy of the respect and gratitude of every-
one. And to each of you Legionnaires present, and through you to the other
Legionnaires of the State, I make the plea that you be even more active Legion-
naires in the future than you have ever been in the past, more alert to detect
and repel the destructive influences that are at work in every corner of our land.

As in our mind's eye we picture tonight the situation across the seas,
where democratic institutions and national unity have been challenged and
threatened with extinction, let us be grateful for all that we possess in the
United States. But let us show our gratitude by keeping uppermost in mind
the thought that, in the threat to the peace and security of other peoples, there
is likewise a threat to our own peace and security. Let us do even more. Let
us be on our guard for America's sake and for the sake of our families and
those to come after us. Our people may well thank God for the thousands
upon thousands of patriotic Legionnaires, through whom there is available
a powerful, vital force which, as its motivating influence, has devotion to the
ideals and principles which distinguish our free and tolerant land. Today more
than ever America needs the Legion. Today, more than ever, after twenty
years of continuing patrotic activity, the Legion will not fail America.

RITCHIE MEMORIAL

Fair Grounds, August 29, 1939
Frederick

WHILE the name and fame of Albert C. Ritchie are fresh in the memory
of all Marylanders, it has been the fortunate experience of some to be
so situated as to see at first-hand the splendid accomplishments which character-
ized his public service. Occupying, as I am privileged to do, the position which
he graced, I welcome this opportunity to emphasize the fact that he was an
exemplar, whose devotion to duty and whose love of his State might well be
emulated by all who attempt to carry on the work to which he gave his best
years.