U.S. CONGRESSMAN BILL JOHNSON Proudly Representing Eastern and Southeastern Ohio

Congressman Bill Johnson (R-Marietta) today announced that he is introducing legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives to place at the national World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. the prayer offered by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to the American people as U.S. troops were storming the beaches of Normandy.

“President Roosevelt’s prayer gave solace, comfort and strength to our nation as we fought against tyranny and oppression,” said Congressman Johnson. “Those words should be included among the tributes to the Greatest Generation memorialized on the National Mall. We’re humbled and grateful for the service of the men and women who fought in World War II. It is a fitting tribute to them to add onto their memorial the words Americans used to pray for their safe return home."

The World War II Memorial Prayer Act of 2011 would require the Secretary of the Interior to place a plaque or inscription at the World War II Memorial this prayer, which has been entitled “Let Our Hearts Be Stout.” There are several areas within the Memorial that would be suitable for the prayer’s placement, but discretion would be left up to the Department of the Interior on final placement. The cost for the plaque or inscription would be paid for by private donations from individuals.

While the Vietnam Memorial Visitor Center Act of 2003 prohibits new commemorative displays on the National Mall, plaques commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s, historic speech at the Lincoln Memorial and Sen. Bob Dole’s efforts to build the World War II Memorial have been added in recent years.

In a letter of support to Rep. Johnson, Tim Tetz, director of the National Legislative Commission of The American Legion wrote:

“As the nation’s largest veterans’ service organization, The American Legion stands proudly by the words of the preamble to our constitution.  'For God and Country we associate ourselves together for the following purposes…'  One of the most important purposes we stand together as an organization to support is '…To preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in the Great Wars…'

“Your legislation, the “World War II Memorial Prayer Act of 2011” would bolster the already reverential World War II Memorial in Washington, DC with a plaque citing the words of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s prayer 'Let Our Hearts Be Stout,' delivered to the nation to offer solace and support on D-Day, June 6, 1944.  As the words of that prayer buoyed a troubled nation through that difficult time, so too may these words give solace to future generations that struggle with the troubles of the world.  

“The purpose of memorials is not solely to remember the sacrifices of those who have gone before, but to give strength and encouragement to future generations for eternity.  The words of the prayer could not be more apt, and should inspire Americans to '…let our hearts be stout, to wait out the long travail, to bear sorrows that may come, to impart our courage unto our sons wheresoever they may be.'

"The American Legion thanks you for your leadership in this area, and offers our full support to your legislation.”

-ee-

"Let Our Hearts Be Stout"

"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 goodwill 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.

"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.

"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.

"And let our hearts be stout, to wait out the long travail, to bear sorrows that may come, to impart our courage unto our sons wheresoever they may be.

"And, O Lord, give us faith. Give us faith in Thee; faith in our sons; faith in each other; faith in our united crusade. Let not the keeness of our spirit ever be dulled. Let not the impacts of temporary events, of temporal matters of but fleeting moment -- let not these deter us in our unconquerable purpose.

"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 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.

"Thy will be done, Almighty God. Amen."

President Franklin D. Roosevelt - June 6, 1944