D-Day

ON THIS DAY: As word spread of the Allied invasion of Europe on D-Day, Americans were overcome with thoughts of their boys storming the beaches of Normandy. Franklin Roosevelt announced he would address the nation by radio; but on that evening, he didn’t give a speech. He offered a prayer. In one of the most moving addresses to pass over the lips of an American president, FDR simply prayed. He prayed earnestly and eloquently. He prayed like a pastor leading his flock through stress and sacrifice. He prayed boldly, ending his prayer by emphasizing the words: “Thy will be done, Almighty God.” Never before or since have so many tears dripped from so many eyes as that evening when a nation joined its president in prayer. He prayed for the allied forces. He prayed for resiliency and determination and eventual victory. He prayed for those soldiers who would not return. He said, Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom.” He prayed for those at home: “And for us at home—fathers, mothers, children, wives, sisters, and brothers of these brave men overseas—whose thoughts and prayers are ever with them—help us, Almighty God, to rededicate ourselves in renewed faith in Thee in this hour of great sacrifice.” Roosevelt brought his prayer to a conclusion by asking God to bring peace to the world and a unity among nations that would sustain that peace and allow people everywhere to live in freedom. He ended his prayer with the words of Jesus. “Thy will be done, Almighty God. Amen.” To listen to his prayer click on this link: https://www.historyplace.com/speeches/fdr-prayer.htm