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Proclamation in recognition and honor of our beloved president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, J.L. Bland, 1945

CONTENT WARNING

Materials in the Library of Virginia’s collections contain historical terms, phrases, and images that are offensive to modern readers. These include demeaning and dehumanizing references to race, ethnicity, and nationality; enslaved or free status; physical and mental ability; and gender and sexual orientation. 

Context

On April 14, 1945, U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) was buried in Hyde Park, New York following funeral services at the White House.  Roosevelt had been elected four times to the office of President, a feat never matched, and now prohibited by the 22nd Amendment.

FDR was famous for several major decisions and policies.  He regularly held "Fireside Chats" which were broadcasted on the radio. These radio programs changed the way the office of President addressed U.S. citizens. FDR’s New Deal programs and policies sought to alleviate and eradicate the hardships cause by the Great Depression. Programs created in the New Deal included the creation of Social Security, the Civilian Conservation Corps, and the Works Progress Administration. As a wartime President, FDR led the United States in its fight against Hitler in Europe and Japan in the Pacific during World War Two. He is remembered for his rousing address after the bombing of Pearl Harbor which stirred support for the US entry into the war.

In this proclamation, J.L. Bland, the Mayor of West Point, Virginia, calls for all businesses to close at 4:00 pm in recognition of the funeral services which were scheduled for that time.

Learn more about FDR from WhiteHouse.gov

Citation: Bland, J.L. Proclamation in recognition and honor of our beloved president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, West Point, Va., 1945. Broadside 1945 .B5 BOX, Special Collections, Library of Virginia

 

Standards

USII.6, USII.7, WHII.12, VUS.10

Suggested Questions

Preview Activity

Scan It: Scan the document. What is it announcing? Why would someone write such an announcement?

Post Activities

Up for Debate: Do you think that businesses should have closed to honor the time of the President's funeral? Why or why not?

Social Media Spin: Create a social media post announcing the funeral of FDR. Include information about his historical significance.