With the passage of a full employment bill which I confidently anticipate for the very near future, the executive and legislative branches of government will be empowered to devote their best talents and resources in subsequent years to preparing and acting on such a program.

I. FROM WAR TO PEACE—­THE YEAR

OF DECISION

In his last Message on the State of the Union, delivered one year ago, President Roosevelt said: 

“This new year of 1945 can be the greatest year of achievement in human history.

“1945 can see the final ending of the Nazi-Fascist reign of terror in Europe.

“1945 can see the closing in of the forces of retribution about the center of the malignant power of imperialistic Japan.

“Most important of all—­1945 can and must see the substantial beginning of the organization of world peace.”

All those hopes, and more, were fulfilled in the year 1945.  It was the greatest year of achievement in human history.  It saw the end of the Nazi-Fascist terror in Europe, and also the end of the malignant power of Japan.  And it saw the substantial beginning of world organization for peace.  These momentous events became realities because of the steadfast purpose of the United Nations and of the forces that fought for freedom under their flags.  The plain fact is that civilization was saved in 1945 by the United Nations.

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.