US Presidency
1943

During the past years of international gangsterism and brutal aggression in Europe and in Asia, our Christmas celebrations have been darkened with apprehension for the future. We have said, Merry Christmas a Happy New Year, but we have known in our hearts that the clouds which have hung over our world have prevented us from saying it with full sincerity and conviction. And ( But ) even this year, we still have much to face in the way of further suffering, and sacrifice, and personal tragedy. Our men, who have been through the fierce battles in the Solomons, and the Gilberts, and Tunisia and Italy know, from their own experience and knowledge of modern war, that many bigger and costlier battles are still to be fought. But on Christmas Eve this year I can say to you that at last we may look forward into the future with real, substantial confidence that, however great the cost, peace on earth, good will toward men can be and will be realized and ensured. This year I can say that.