F.D. Roosevelt's D-Day Prayer

In the morning of June 6, 1944, after months of preparations, American and British troops assisted by Allied soldiers crossed the English Channel and landed on the beaches of Normandy. It was the long-awaited ‘D-Day’, which would force the Nazis to defend themselves in the west, east and south. In the US the news of this landing was received with mixed emotions among the people: with some luck, it might bring the war to a conclusion, but it might also mean that some of their loved ones might die in the invasion. That night the US President Roosevelt (1882-1945) through the radio broadcasted a prayer for the sons of the Nation who were fighting in Normandy. This prayer is reproduced in part as follows:

“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 to their faith. They will need Thy blessing. Their road will be long and hard. 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 tired, by night and by day, without rest – till 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 are men lately drawn from the ways of peace. They fight not for the lust of conquest. 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 arrogances. Lead us to the saving of our country . . . 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.”

I love the prayer because it was written beautifully and President Roosevelt is one of the few American leaders that I admire. During his life time the US had experienced two important events: the Great Depression and the war with Nazis Germany and the Empire of Japan. As a politician, he had truly discharged his duties as the leader of the country. He had the political wisdom and charisma to unite his people together during crucial moments in American history. He could command the confidence of the people when faith in the country was at the ebb.

Hong Kong is now at the crossroad of the political reform. Will she be lucky enough to have a political leader who has the wisdom to guide people out of the chaos?