The Daily Star: D-Day 1944d

June 5, 2009 | Uncategorized

The following editorial appeared in The Oneonta Star on June 7, 1944:

Only the beginning

Most auspiciously did the United Nations launch their attack against Hitler Europe yesterday — but it is most important for us to realize that the beaches are only the beginning and that the crucial moment of the invasion may he expected any time within the next few days.

Solemnly were the fighting men admonished and encouraged as they embarked upon their mission, and solemnly did this whole country pledge its full support in their homes and churches yesterday.

Featuring many of these services was a special invasion day prayer: “O God. America kneels at Thy feet, humbly confessing the sin which holds us back from complete sacrifice at this crucial hour.

“Give us each one of us, O God, the faith and the fortitude of our forefathers. Make us to know the pure joy, which comes from a life fulfilled in service to all mankind.

Help us, no matter what the cost, to hold high the torch of liberty lo alt peoples throughout Thy beautiful world.

“Teach us to pray for those whom we must restrain, to hold without hate and O God, give us the power to quench the burning fires which threaten world destruction.

“With deepening humility, we seek Thy guidance for the restored freedom of all people.

“In the days of suffering to come, help us to remember Thy great command — love thy neighbor as thyself. Give us, O God, unselfish hearts, that we may be eager to share Thy gifts with these whom hunger and plague seek to destroy.

“Help us to succor the weak, bind up the wounds of the maimed and mangled and from our own store of faith and confidence to a new world to be, set them on their feet ones more, eyes alight with hope, unafraid.

“To this high purpose, we dedicate the sons and daughters of America — the home of the free and the brave, We dedicate our lives and the lives of those whom we love to that spirit of sacrifice which alone can bring in the long awaited hour. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

“In Thy name, we go Dear Lord, as soldiers of God. Not for petty gain, not for national greed, not for empty revenge, but to one high purpose — to bring in the brotherhood of man.”

The success of our men in France will be a particular concern for a number of days, and they will need our continuing prayers.

Further, they will need our full contribution to every phase of war effort — for they will he expending tremendous quantities of every imaginable product until the German forces are finally driven to surrender.

Any American who does not feel a reviving and strengthening of his resolution to do his full share in every opportunity which may be given him from this day until the victory is assured lacks any understanding of the sacrifices, the hardships, the extreme efforts our fighting men must make in our behalf.