Franklin

May 26, 1940, the White House, Washington, D.C. The President of the United States addressing the people of the United States on the vitally important topic of national defense, in this supportable fireside chat in his seven years as President.

On the evening of September 3 of this year, ten hours or so after the Great Nations of Europe had declared war, President Roosevelt made his 13th fireside chat from the same low ceiling oval shaped war.

Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the United States. My friends, at this moment of sadness throughout most of the world, I want to talk with you about a number of subjects that directly affect the future of the United States.

We are shocked by the almost incredible eyewitness stories that come to us, stories of what is happening at this moment for the civilian population of Norway and Poland and Belgium, and let's on board and France.

I think it is right on this side of the evening that I can say a word, on behalf of women and children and old men who need help. Immediate help in that presence of stress.

Help from us across the sea. Help from us who are still free to give it. Tonight, over the once peaceful roads of Belgium and France, millions are now moving, running from their home, to escape bomb and shells and fire and machine gunning.

Without shelter and almost play without food. They stumble on, knowing not where the end of the road will be. I speak to you of these people because each one of you that is listening to me tonight as a way of helping them. The American Red Cross that represents each of us is rushing food and clothing and medical supplies to these destitute