Governor Martin O'Malley Joins the Maryland Historical Society for Commemoration of Maryland World War II Veterans
BALTIMORE, MD (November 11, 2008) – Governor Martin O’Malley recognized Veterans Day today by participating in the Maryland Historical Society’s Commemoration of Maryland Veterans of World War II. Governor O’Malley offered remarks honoring those veterans, many of whom were in attendance at the special ceremony. As the son of a World War II veteran, Governor O’Malley offered his thanks on behalf of the people of Maryland for the heroism exhibited by the “Greatest Generation.”
“Our nation is built upon the generations of brave men and women who squared their shoulders against the forces of fear and tyranny so that we could continue to enjoy the blessings of this nation and our way of life,” said Governor O’Malley. “Just as these veterans have always been there for us through times of turmoil and tranquility, famine, flood and war, we as a people are committed to being there for them.”
The Maryland Historical Society opened the exhibition entitled “Maryland Veterans of World War II: Our Arsenal of Democracy” today, which will run through the end of 2009. The uniforms, arms, and equipment in the exhibition are authentic to the men who wore them, often “personalized” with their own artistic touches. Helmets are inscribed with individual names and units, and in some cases pierced by shrapnel and bullet holes. Weapons carry the dents and dings of active fighting from the Normandy beaches to Iwo Jima.
“We owe a special debt to those veterans who served our country in World War II,” said Brig. Gen. James A. Adkins, Maryland Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Maryland National Guard Adjutant General. “They changed the history of the world and the world and our nation have benefited from their service. They will always be cherished in the memory of our countrymen.”
There were 288,000 Maryland men and women who served in World War II. Of these, 6,454 did not come home. Their names are listed in the exhibition and are honored by its visitors. Currently, 374 soldiers from Maryland serve in active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“We are blessed to have been born in the strongest and freest republic ever known to man, and that its tomorrow’s are not inevitable,” said Governor O’Malley. “Instead, they are secured by men and women who are willing to step up, especially in times of great adversity, because that’s what defines the character of a nation.”
The ceremony also included musical performances by the Baltimore City College Choir, and an acknowledgement of the veterans past and present by various military leadership in attendance.
