CHAPTER 469
STATE OF DELAWARE
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
PROCLAMATION
From the early days of Delaware, first as a Colony, and then as a Sovereign State of the Union, its able-bodied manpower has been its bulwark against all threats of insecurity. In the days when this was a pioneer community it was largely a matter of individual protection by the individuals themselves, and in later colonial days, the term "militia" meant any able-bodied man capable of bearing arms. As times changed and the military protection of the country progressed, this was referred to as the unorganized militia, and then later, the organized militia of the State of Delaware. It is interesting to note on this occasion that our State was divided into military districts and each district designated certain days of the year at which time it was to muster its militia for roll call and inspection. All this was directed toward one ultimate end, and that was that the homes and lives of our citizens be protected from every peril, no matter its form.
In our War for Independence, the State of Delaware furnished its own regiments. In the War of 1812, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, and World War I and II, it did the same. The victory that we have won in this last war will be a dubious one unless the peace that we seek can be materially realized. Today the greatest single unit in our structure of national defense is the National Guard of the United States, which is now in its first year of reorganization after World War II.
Beginning on September 16th to November 16th inclusive, the National Guard of the United States is embarking upon an intensive recruiting campaign. The National Guard of the State of Delaware is only one of many states taking part in that campaign. Delaware is the First State of the Union, and I join with the men entrusted with the reorganization of the National Guard in hoping that it will be the First State of the Union to achieve the goal set before it by the War Department.
The President of the United States has set apart September 16th, the first day of this recruiting campaign, as NATIONAL GUARD DAY.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Walter W. Bacon, Governor of the State of Delaware, do hereby pledge the State of Delaware to observe this day as such, and further do pledge its support of the two months' campaign for National Guard recruiting inaugurated by this observance. I call upon all citizens of the State of Delaware to join with me and with the officers of the National Guard in a concerted effort to further in any way they can the cause and strength of the National Guard, our soldiers of the State of Delaware.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I, Walter W. Bacon, Governor of the State of Delaware, have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of said State to be hereunto affixed at Dover, this twelfth day of
(GREAT SEAL) September in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and forty-seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and seventy-second.
WILLIAM J. STOREY, Secretary of State.