King George VI's speech on D-Day
Published
After nearly five years of toil and suffering, we must renew that crusading impulse on which we entered the war and met its darkest hour.
Four years ago, our Nation and Empire stood alone against an overwhelming enemy, with our backs to the wall. Tested as never before in our history, in God's providence we survived that test; the spirit of the people, resolute, dedicated, burned like a bright flame, lit surely from those unseen fires which nothing can quench.
Now once more a supreme test has to be faced. This time, the challenge is not to fight to survive but to fight to win the final victory for the good cause. Once again what is demanded from us all is something more than courage and endurance; we need a revival of spirit, a new unconquerable resolve. After nearly five years of toil and suffering, we must renew that crusading impulse on which we entered the war and met its darkest hour. We and our Allies are sure that our fight is against evil and for a world in which goodness and honour may be the foundation of the life of men in every land.
That we may be worthily matched with this new summons of destiny, I desire solemnly to call my people to prayer and dedication. We are not unmindful of our own shortcomings, past and present. We shall ask not that God may do our will, but that we may be enabled to do the will of God: and we dare to believe that God has used our Nation and Empire as an instrument for fulfilling his high purpose.
I hope that throughout the present crisis of the liberation of Europe there may be offered up earnest, continuous and widespread prayer. We who remain in this land can most effectively enter into the sufferings of subjugated Europe by prayer, whereby we can fortify the determination of our sailors, soldiers and airmen who go forth to set the captives free.
The Queen joins with me in sending you this message. She well understands the anxieties and cares of our womenfolk at this time and she knows that many of them will find, as she does herself, fresh strength and comfort in such waiting upon God. She feels that many women will be glad in this way to keep vigil with their menfolk as they man the ships, storm the beaches and fill the skies.
At this historic moment surely not one of us is too busy, too young or too old to play a part in a nationwide, perchance a worldwide, vigil of prayer as the great crusade sets forth. If from every place of worship, from home and factory, from men and women of all ages and many races and occupations, our intercessions rise, then, please God, both now and in a future not remote, the predictions of an ancient Psalm may be fulfilled: "The Lord will give strength unto his people: the Lord will give his people the blessing of peace."
Related content
A statement from Buckingham Palace and Ngozi Fulani, Founder of Sistah Space
A speech by His Majesty The King at the Conferral of City Status, Wrexham
As you celebrate your new-found status for this very special part of the world, nothing could give me greater pleasure than to say llongyfarchiadau and to wish you every...
A speech by His Majesty The King at the Conferral of City Status, Wrexham
Boneddigion a boneddigesau, Mr Mayor, Leader of the Council, Chief Executive, Ladies and Gentlemen, My wife and I are absolutely delighted to be with you in Wrexham today to...
A speech by The Queen Consort at a ‘Violence Against Women and Girls’ Reception at Buckingham Palace
We are uniting today to confront, rightly, what has rightly been called a global pandemic of violence against women. Faced with such challenges, it can be hard to know what...
The Prince and Princess of Wales visit Boston for the 2022 Earthshot Prize Awards
28 November 2022Explore the Royal Archives
A message of condolence from The King to the President of Indonesia following the earthquake in Cianjur
I particularly wanted to send my most heartfelt thoughts and condolences to all those who have been affected.
A message from The King to the Governor of New South Wales regarding the ongoing flooding
I would be most grateful if you would pass on my thanks and admiration to those who have once again come to the rescue and to those already providing invaluable assistance in...
A speech by The King at the State Banquet of the State Visit of the President of the Republic of South Africa
South Africa, like the Commonwealth, has always been a part of my life... It is therefore particularly moving and special that you are our guest on this, the first State Visit...
The Prince and Princess Of Wales Celebrated The 10th Anniversary Of Coach Core
The Prince and Princess of Wales visited Northern Ireland
The Prince of Wales visits St. George’s Park to celebrate its 10th anniversary
The Prince of Wales attended the United for Wildlife Summit
His Majesty The King will take on the role of the Ranger of Windsor Great Park
14 November 2022A message from The King to the Governor of Victoria regarding the ongoing flood emergency in Victoria
It has been particularly inspiring to see how communities have pulled together to protect homes and livestock and to support each another during this appallingly difficult...