The U.S. At War: Little Girl, Big Job

Every day Myrtle Pickering lifts her small, clasped hands to pray for the safety of the President of the U.S.

When the Catholic children of Buffalo, N.Y. began a crusade of prayer for the nation's soldiers and sailors, Myrtle was selected by lot to pray for the Commander in Chief. Myrtle is an orphan, eight years old. She says a prayer for Mr. Roosevelt every day, at least once a week attends Mass and receives Holy Communion for his protection. When sisters of the German Roman Catholic Orphan Asylum, where she lives, told her about it, Myrtle recognized her responsibility right away. She sat down, wrote to Mr. Roosevelt:

"I am very happy I drew your name. I think you would like to be a sailor because I heard that you were a leader of sailors in the last big war. The other boys and girls are asking their soldiers and sailors to pray with them. I know you are very busy, but will you say the prayer that I am putting in my letter? Our country needs you very much. I will pray that our Blessed Mother takes care of you. I am 8 years old and I can pray very hard. Goodby, Mr. President, my brave sailor. With love."