Audio of Franklin Roosevelt’s Fireside Chat on the night of June 5, 1944 concerning the Fall of Rome, beginning with the following statement:
Yesterday, on June fourth, 1944, Rome fell to American and Allied troops. The first of the Axis capitals is now in our hands. One up and two to go!
Although FDR delivered this address to the nation on the eve of D-Day, he remained silent on the invasion until the following day while mentioning during a prayer which he delivered on the radio:
Last night, when I spoke with you about the fall of Rome, I knew at that moment that troops of the United States and our Allies were crossing the Channel in another and greater operation. It has come to pass with success thus far.
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Christmas Eve fireside chat.
Originally broadcast: December 24, 1943 - 68 years ago today.
