U.S. Navy Department (April 12, 1945)
Press Release
For Immediate Release
April 12, 1945
Death of President Told to Naval Service in Message from Secretary of the Navy Forrestal
News of the death of President Roosevelt was dispatched to all ships and stations of the United States Navy tonight in a message by Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal, who called upon the Nation’s sea forces to pay tribute to the memory of the Nation’s leader by carrying on “in the tradition of which he was so proud.”
The Secretary’s message follows:
“I have the sad duty of announcing to the naval service the death of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the President of the United States, which occurred on twelve April.
“The world has lost a champion of democracy who can ill be spared by our country and the Allied cause. The Navy which he so dearly loved can pay no better tribute to his memory than to carry on in the tradition of which he was so proud.
“Colors shall be displayed at half-mast for thirty days beginning 0800 thirteen April West Longitude Date insofar as war operations permit. Memorial services shall be held on the day of the funeral to be announced later at all yards and stations and on board all vessels of the Navy, war operations permitting.
“Wearing of mourning badges and firing of salutes will be dispensed with in view of war conditions.”