Mayor La Guardia delivers "A People's Prayer" for New Year's Day 1940.

(Incomplete)

Speaking on behalf of seven million New Yorkers, Mayor La Guardia expressed the hope that "the God-given genius of man" would be used for "the aid and comfort and happiness of the people and not turned to exploitation or destructive, cruel weapons of war."

The Mayor also said in part:

"Help us in our own land forever to keep away hatreds, exploitation and internal conflicts. Grant us forever to avoid intolerance and may we acquire fully the ability to understand the views and beliefs of our opponents and even our enemies, and have the courage to generously reconcile differences and promote harmony."

The WNYC Concert Orchestra under the direction of Music Director Herman Neuman performed Handel's "Largo" prior to the Mayor's speech. (Missing from the audio). The Manhattan Chorus composed of thirty-five members concluded by singing "The Great Easter Hymn" from "Cavalleria Rusticana."

WNYC archives id: 8743