On Christmas Eve night in 1947, President Harry Truman proudly talked about America’s most noble tradition: feeding the hungry. Truman said, “The great heart of the American people has been moved to compassion by the needs of those in other lands who are cold and hungry.”
Just days before, Truman signed legislation to provide food to European countries suffering in the aftermath of World War II.
Citizens donated as well, giving food to the Friendship Train, which collected goods for Europe. Hungry children in France would be having school lunches again because of America’s generosity.
As we celebrate the holidays, we should remember America’s great calling to help those in need whether at home or abroad.
See my guest column in the December 25 Wichita Eagle (page 7A) or online at Kansas.com
Author William Lambers 