THE WORLD GOES TO WAR ONCE AGAIN!

The above are buried in the local cemetery. Many others served. Many are still living in Steamboat and elsewhere. 

Radio played a major part in World War II. It kept people in touch with what was going on on a daily basis. Not as today with live satellite communication, but it was like no other time in history. Each night families listened to the “war news.” They also looked to radio for entertainment to take away some of the worries of war and loved ones far away. 

When D-Day came and the tension of the long military buildup for the invasion of Europe was at hand. Ed Murrow, as only Ed Murrow could do, brought goose pimples, a catch in the throat, a tear in the eye as he read General Eisenhower’s initial Order of the Day. America and the world listened: 

“Soldiers, sailors and airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Forces, you are about to embark on a great crusade . . . you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine . . . security for ourselves…. your task will not be an easy one . . . the tide has turned…..Good luck and let us all beseech the blessing of the Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.” 

The long-awaited crossing had begun. 

That night President Roosevelt told America: “In this poignant hour, I ask you to join me in a prayer. Almighty God, our sons, pride of our nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, our civilization and to set free a suffering humanity. . . . Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts. . . . Some will never return. Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy Kingdom of God.” 

The prayer was long and ended with these words: “Thy will be done, Almighty God, Amen.” 

Every network carried the message. There were few dry eyes in America that night.