AMERICANA 52 “Lead Them Straight And True; Give Strength To Their Arms, Stoutness To Their Hearts, Steadfastness In Their Faith” Limited edition of this rare broadside of the “D-Day Prayer,” one of very few—believed to be only 50— exquisitely printed copies issued by President Roosevelt for his close friends, handsomely printed in gothic type with red- blue- and gold ink textual embellishments. The text of the broadside, now known as the “D-Day Prayer,” was originally titled “Let Our Hearts Be Stout.” On June 6th, 1944, while American and Allied troops stormed the beaches at Normandy, Roosevelt released the text of a prayer in the afternoon which he then delivered by radio to the nation at 10:00 p.m., Eastern time. It is estimated, according to Andrew Malcolm, that as many as 100 million people listened to it. “The prayer does not invoke one faith, but the appeal to God is bold and unapologetic. The D-Day Prayer was an extraordinary event in U.S. religious history” (Malcolm). Faint evidence of previous framing to verso. Beautifully framed. 68ROOSEVELT, Franklin D. Lithographic broadside, “D-Day Prayer.” Washington, Christmas 1944. Broadside (14 by 21 inches), printed in gothic type; matted and framed, entire piece measures 18 by 23 inches. $19,000
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