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ROOSEVELT, Franklin D. D-Day Prayer by President

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[Washington: Government Printing Office], Christmas 1944. Broadside (540 x 370 mm). Printed in black, red and blue Gothic type with initials in gold, red and blue. Matted. Condition: light horizontal creases. decorative broadside issue of fdr's d-day prayer, issued by him as a christmas present for friends. FDR delivered this message as a radio address while Allied troops were attempting to establish positions on the beaches of Normandy. It would be remembered as among the most moving Presidential addresses of all time: "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. Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith. They will need Thy blessings. Their road will be long and hard. For the enemy is strong. He may hurl back our forces. 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. For these men are lately drawn from the ways of peace. They fight not for the lust of conquest. They fight to end conquest. They fight to liberate. They fight to let justice arise, and tolerance and good will among all Thy people. They yearn but for the end of battle, for their return to the haven of home. Some will never return. Embrace these, Father, and receive them, thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom . With Thy blessing, we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy. 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 men live in freedom, reaping the just rewards of their honest toil. Thy will be done, Almighty God. Amen." The Prayer was printed by the GPO in book form in a limited edition of 100 copies, each inscribed by the President for his friends and family, and as the present broadside, whose limitation is assumed but unknown. The only copy that appears in the auction records belonged to Eleanor Roosevelt and was sold at the sale of material belonging to the Roosevelt family (Christie's New York, 14 February 2001).

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