Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1941-12-18
Might Be

by p. G. StrOmberg-

Ny Il We NtNVAAAONA6
We have now been engaged in
hostilities for less than two
weeks and reports indicate that
the entire country is rapidly
reaching the state where it can
be assumed that each community
is prepared for the various de-
Tense activities. It is the answer
of 100 million Americans to the
challenge by the little yellow
men. It is the finest example Of
unity America has ever seen. It
takes the place of all the fears
and apprehensions expressed by
so many who were of the opin-
ion that we were so divided that
such unity could not be attained.
It completely skaters any hopes
the enemy powers entertained
regarding internal weakening
of our national effort.
AS matter of fact combin-
alton of events such as Ameri-
can unity in declaration of state
of war, reverses in Libya and
hasty retreat in Russia can be
the direct cause of the sudden
rumored illness of Fuhrer Hit
Ter. Such complication of mill
tary complaints is enough to
cause a more sturdy soldier to
seek medical care.
All in all Americans can take
real pride in the general reaction
following the attack on Pearl
Harbor. Saddened though they
are by the rather heavy loss of
lives in the surprise attack on
our forces in Hawaii our people
are of one mind in demanding
full and complete vengeance.
Secretary of the Navy Knox's
report of his survey of the
catastrophe at Pearl Harbor
gave the public the information
it had sought for ten days. In
this report the citation of in
dividual acts of heroism serve
to relieve the shock of our loss.
The Secretary made it plain that
there appeared to be a lack of
adequate patrol essential to pre-
vent a surprise attack. His re-
commentator that the President
appoint a board of inquiry was
acted upon Immediately so that
responsibility for the disaster
will be fixed. The President
could not have selected a board
which could more fully enjoy
complete public confidence. While
there is, quite naturally, a deep
feeling of public resentment
toward these in high positions
who should have been on the
alert there should be a tolerant
patience awaiting the official re-
port of the board of inquiry.
Hasty condemnation of an in
dividual might easily do great
harm to one who is without
blame.
While paying tribute to the
great American spirit and to all
who have so quickly and willing
ly enlisted in the various civilian
phases Of defense I want to dwell
especially on the Maryland State
Guard. Governor O'Conor issued
a call for the Guard to mobilize
last Thursday night. Official
notice was transmitted to the
several battalions by telephone
and telegraph but the call was
also announced by radio.
Throughout the State many
units were at their armories by
midnight and shortly after. The
Seventh Battalion, in which
Montgomery County is repre-
scented by three Companies at
Silver Spring, was ready for
the first echelon's assignment
by shortly after midnight.
By half-past eight Friday
morning the entire company
was present or accounted for.
Members of the Guard have since
been assigned duties of guarding
designated points and the bal
ance of the men have been re-
leased from active duty.
In the entire Seventh Battalion
there were only fourteen absen-
tees and some Of these had not
been reached. The Guard is made
up entirely Of volunteers who,
for some reason are not eligible
for Federal service. They are