Based in Washington DC, Van Hipp leads American Defense International, Inc., and has a background as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the US Army. A thought leader in his field, Van Hipp has authored numerous articles, including a recent opinion piece on the 75th anniversary of D-Day and the continued resonance of Franklin Roosevelt's D-Day prayer.
The context of this powerful address was President Roosevelt, who had a letter printed in each Soldier’s Pocket Bible, encouraging “all who serve” to read the Holy Word. Presented on June 6th, 1944, the eve of D-Day, the President addressed the nation in prayer via radio and spoke of the harshness of war and the loss that accompanied his nation’s “unconquerable purpose.”
Roosevelt also addressed the Almighty in asking for blessings in securing freedom for people. He publicly sought out for a world of unity and peace, and this informed America’s subsequent postwar mission as a bulwark of freedom and democracy.
The influence of Roosevelt’s prayer is felt into the present, with President Trump reading excerpts during the recent anniversary commemoration ceremony in Portsmouth, UK. There is also an initiative underway to have the prayer included within the National World War II Memorial.
The context of this powerful address was President Roosevelt, who had a letter printed in each Soldier’s Pocket Bible, encouraging “all who serve” to read the Holy Word. Presented on June 6th, 1944, the eve of D-Day, the President addressed the nation in prayer via radio and spoke of the harshness of war and the loss that accompanied his nation’s “unconquerable purpose.”
Roosevelt also addressed the Almighty in asking for blessings in securing freedom for people. He publicly sought out for a world of unity and peace, and this informed America’s subsequent postwar mission as a bulwark of freedom and democracy.
The influence of Roosevelt’s prayer is felt into the present, with President Trump reading excerpts during the recent anniversary commemoration ceremony in Portsmouth, UK. There is also an initiative underway to have the prayer included within the National World War II Memorial.
