On June 6, 1944, Franklin D. Roosevelt faced the nation to inform them of the invasion of Normandy. The President led the nation in prayer, a poignant prayer that recognized our faith and dependence on God. At that time President Roosevelt rejected a singular day of prayer but called upon the nation to stay in a constant state of prayer. Today, many would call that prayer unconstitutional.
In 1987, efforts began to build a national World War II memorial. The funds were raised; the memorial was completed and opened to the public on April 29, 2004.
To ensure the sacrifices of D-Day and President Roosevelt’s prayer are never forgotten, Senator Lieberman and Senator Rob Portman introduced S.3078, the World War II Memorial Prayer Act of 2012. This legislation would direct the Secretary of the Interior to install a plaque or inscription, at no taxpayer expense, at the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. with the words that President Roosevelt prayed with the nation on D-Day. The House passed a similar bill in Jan. 2012; the senate bill is stalled in the Energy & Natural Resources Committee. America is a nation of prayer; the addition of this prayer will serve as a reminder of the foundational role of faith in our country and would be no cost to the taxpayer.
The Opposition, there are those that seek to rewrite history and erase all references to prayer from the public arena. They arise today to block Senator Portman’s bill from passage. The Americans United for the Separation of Church and State believe that the passage of this bill would “disrespect the decision made in the original design”. Robert Abbey, director of The Bureau of Land Management, expressed opposition, claiming additions to the memorial would “dilute” the memorial’s central message.
Call to action. Please call Senator Portman to thank him for his leadership: 202-224-3353. The role of prayer in America is a historical fact, this opposition can be seen as an attempt to rewrite American history. Please contact your Senator today and ask them to support and/or co-sponsor S. 3108. In addition please contact the members of the Energy & Natural Resources Committeeand express your support for the addition of this important, historical inscription to the memorial.
Prayer is an integral part of our history, our nation has relied upon prayer from its inception. In 1787 during a particularly contentious period at the Constitutional Convention, John Madison quotes Franklin as stating, “…. how has it happened, Sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of lights to illuminate our understandings?…” additionally, “… And have we now forgotten that powerful friend? I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth- that God governs in the affairs of men.” From that day until this, prayer has been an important and historical part of our nation. We have had Thanksgiving proclamations, proclamations for humility, fasting, and prayer. In 1952 we codified our belief in prayer by declaring a National Day of Prayer to be celebrated annually. We must be vigilant in protecting our founding freedoms, which include public prayer.
Read President Roosevelt’s prayer here.
Contact your Senator here.
Contact members of the Energy & Natural Resources Committee here.
‘Teavangelicals’ and the 2012 Presidential Election
Watch the video below from FOX News’ Hannity to hear how ‘Teavangelicals’ are going to make an impact in November.