FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (1882-1945) Thirty-second President of the United States, instituted the 'New Deal' programs and led the United States through most of World War II. Exceptionally rare printing, one of only fifty, of F.D.R.'s original ‘D-Day Prayer’ featuring the president's national address broadcast the night of the Normandy invasion. The broadside, with ‘Christmas 1944, from F.D.R.’ printed at bottom, was given only to members of Roosevelt's White House staff and his closest associates. Measures 14 x 21 in. and in an ornate black and red letter font with a gilt 'A' commencing the text. It reads, in part: ‘My fellow Americans: Last night, when I spoke with you about the fall of Rome, I knew at that moment that troops of the United States and our allies were crossing the Channel in another and greater operation. It has come to pass with success thus far. And so, in this poignant hour, I ask you to join with me in prayer: Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our Nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity…Success may not come with rushing speed, but we shall return again and again; and we know that by Thy grace, and by the righteousness of our cause, our sons will triumph. They will be sore tried, by night and by day, without rest - until the victory is won. The darkness will be rent by noise and flame. Men's souls will be shaken with the violences of war…Some will never return. Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom. And for us at home — fathers, mothers, children, wives, sisters, and brothers of 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…I ask that our people devote themselves in a continuance of prayer. As we rise to each new day, and again when each day is spent, let words of prayer be on our lips, invoking Thy help to our efforts. Give us strength, too—strength in our daily tasks, to redouble the contributions we make in the physical and the material support of our armed forces…Help us to conquer the apostles of greed and racial arrogancies. Lead us to the saving of our country, and with our sister Nations into a world unity that will spell a sure peace - a peace invulnerable to the schemings of unworthy men. And a peace that will let all of men live in freedom, reaping the just rewards of their honest toil…’. Originally entitled 'Let Our Hearts Be Stout', Roosevelt is said to have written this prayer during the night as the news of the June 6, 1944 D-Day invasion began to reach the White House. He rarely attended church, but was religious in his personal life and demonstrated his faith in classic writings such as the 1942 State of the Union address, during which he stated: 'We are fighting, as our fathers have fought, to uphold the doctrine that all men are equal in the sight of God'. Presented in a simple black wood frame and in very fine condition. This wonderful piece descended directly within the family of Roosevelt's personal telephone operator at the White House, working directly under Grace Tully. Not examined out of frame.