The Great Crusade
On the eve of D-Day, General Eisenhower published a leaflet for every member of the invasion force, to inform, to inspire, and to seek God’s blessing:
Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! You are about to embark upon a great crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers in arms on other fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world. Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely. But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of 194041. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man-to-man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our Home Fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to Victory! I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory! Good Luck! And let us beseech the blessings of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.412
British soldier reads D-Day message. (Eisenhower Presidential Library)
As we have seen before, national leaders were not reluctant to call their troops and nation to God during the crucial moments of World War II. D-Day was one of those times. The spiritual humility of America’s leaders and the prayerfulness of her citizens kept the nation focused on God, the true source of American unity and strength that had sustained the nation throughout its history.
I lift up my eyes to the hills where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
—Psalms 121:12