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Will FDR'S D-Day Prayer Make WWII Memorial?

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    Prayer set for congressional vote

  • Duration 3:50
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Today congress gets involved in a prayer battle at the World War II memorial on the mall in Washington DC.

President Franklin Roosevelt recited this prayer to the country has troops prepared for.

Almighty god our suns pride of that our nation this -- had set -- -- a mighty endeavor a struggle to preserve our republic.

And our religion and our civilization.

It to set free a suffering humanity.

That was Franklin Delano Roosevelt -- next guest what's that prayer displayed on the World War II memorial but the White House general -- congressman Bill Johnson.

From Ohio -- the proposal he joins us from our bureau good morning congressman.

Good morning state okay why would you like to see the FDR prayer included in the World War II memorial.

Well Steve I'm a veteran myself.

Having been a commander.

I've seen that freedom is not free I know the the sacrifice that our men and women in uniform play.

And what better tribute to the greatest generation those brave fighting forces that landed on the beaches of Normandy.

-- to put the prayer that their commander in chief offered.

On that that pivotal day in our nation's history I think it's a very appropriate tribute.

Just about a half a mile from that particular memorial is the Lincoln Memorial.

And up on the wall right in there you've got the words of Abraham Lincoln at the Gettysburg do in the Gettysburg address when they dedicated that.

That particular.

Cemetery in Gettysburg so.

It does have a lot of power in seeing the words that people -- -- tell you what -- the director of the Bureau of Land Management.

Guy by the name of Robert -- you know him he said this.

Altering the -- memorial in this way.

Will necessarily dilute this elegant memorial central message and its ability to come clearly convey that message to move educate.

And inspire.

That those kind of strong words that a prayer.

Would dilute a memorial.

Absolutely and we questioned it's director -- -- about that in fact we question secretary Salazar yesterday.

Who stood by the department of the interiors position.

That that it would did indeed -- -- the central message of the memorial.

Now when questioned further secretary Salazar actually said he personally.

Did not believe that to be true so.

We've got we've got a dichotomy going on between what the secretary believes personally and -- his department's position is.

Officially but it it absolutely makes no sense -- you know they're they're standing on a law from 2003.

That has been that has been amended or wave twice to add commemorative -- to your National Mall.

I think we both know that if -- were simply a little quotation.

From somebody famous.

No problem but because it is a prayer.

There is a big problem.

-- and you know what what baffles me stated this is not a prayer that was offered by -- religious zealot or or or anything like that this prayer was offered.

By the president of the United States.

The commander in chief as as a prayer of -- and comfort.

To not only -- nation but to the men that we're going into harm's way.

At a critical time in our nation's history -- -- -- you've got something like fifty co sponsors for this what's the next stage.

Well we go through mark up committee mark up.

This week okay I'm not sure when it's gonna come to the house floor but but I'm optimistic that this is going to pass on a bipartisan.

-- vote aren't and I look forward to to seeing that the that the White House changes their position.

Will point out rated congressman -- we thank you very much for joining us and telling us -- --

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