"Prayer and Leadership"

Seventy years ago today, America suffered an unprovoked attack from the Empire of Japan, and we, as a nation and as individuals, would never be the same again. Thousands of innocent Americans died at Pearl Harbor, and the remains of many still rest in that harbor. America heaved a great sigh, and then set to the work of defeating two enemies who were a direct threat to the entire world. We stood arm in arm with Britain and France and Russia in order to restore peace during the greatest conflagration the world has seen to date.

On June 6, 1944, all of our countries launched Operation Overlord, D-Day, and this set in motion the ultimate defeat of NAZI Germany and the Empire of Japan. We were doing God's work, and we thanked Him for His help to victory every day.

Franklin Roosevelt said these words: My fellow Americans: last night when I spoke with you about the fall of Rome, I knew at that moment that troops of the United States and our allies were crossing the Channel in another and greater operation. It has come to pass with success thus far.

And so, in this poignant hour, I ask you to join with me in prayer.

"Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our Nation, this day 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, and 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 victory is won. The darkness will be rent by noise and flame. Men's souls will be shaken with the violence 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 good will among all Thy people. They yearn but for the end of battle, for their return to haven of home.

Some will never return. Embrace these Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom."

Roosevelt went on to say these words: "O Lord give us Faith. Give us Faith in Thee; Faith in our sons; Faith in each other; Faith united in our crusade."

Currently, our President has decided to omit this prayer from the WWII Memorial. I find it an insult not only to Franklin Roosevelt, but to all those men and women who gave so much for America during her greatest trial. For whatever reason, Barack Obama has a problem with the mention of God and prayer in America, and I believe this gives all Americans a reason to give pause and think about our choice of Barack Obama as our President. I don't believe America can do very well without the help of Almighty God; evidently, Mr. Obama sees things differently than I. Ask yourself this question:" Is this the man I want to lead America in the most trying time since World War II?"