Our own part in this accomplishment was not the product of any single service.  Those who fought on land, those who fought on the sea, and those who fought in the air deserve equal credit.  They were supported by other millions in the armed forces who through no fault of their own could not go overseas and who rendered indispensable service in this country.  They were supported by millions in all levels of government, including many volunteers, whose devoted public service furnished basic organization and leadership.  They were also supported by the millions of Americans in private life—­men and women in industry, in commerce, on the farms, and in all manner of activity on the home front—­who contributed their brains and their brawn in arming, equipping, and feeding them.  The country was brought through four years of peril by an effort that was truly national in character.

Everlasting tribute and gratitude will be paid by all Americans to those brave men who did not come back, who will never come back—­the 330,000 who died that the Nation might live and progress.  All Americans will also remain deeply conscious of the obligation owed to that larger number of soldiers, sailors, and marines who suffered wounds and sickness in their service.  They may be certain that their sacrifice will never be forgotten or their needs neglected.

The beginning of the year 1946 finds the United States strong and deservedly confident.  We have a record of enormous achievements as a democratic society in solving problems and meeting opportunities as they developed.  We find ourselves possessed of immeasurable advantages—­vast and varied natural resources; great plants, institutions, and other facilities; unsurpassed technological and managerial skills; an alert, resourceful, and able citizenry.  We have in the United States Government rich resources in information, perspective, and facilities for doing whatever may be found necessary to do in giving support and form to the widespread and diversified efforts of all our people.

And for the immediate future the business prospects are generally so favorable that there is danger of such feverish and opportunistic activity that our grave postwar problems may be neglected.  We need to act now with full regard for pitfalls; we need to act with foresight and balance.  We should not be lulled by the immediate alluring prospects into forgetting the fundamental complexity of modern affairs, the catastrophe that can come in this complexity, or the values that can be wrested from it.

But the long-range difficulties we face should no more lead to despair than our immediate business prospects should lead to the optimism which comes from the present short-range prospect.  On the foundation of our victory we can build a lasting peace, with greater freedom and security for mankind in our country and throughout the world.  We will more certainly do this if we are constantly aware of the fact that we face crucial issues and prepare now to meet them.