The following excerpt from President Grant's talk at general conference was printed: It grieves me deeply that it is necessary for thousands of our boys to go into the army. I hope and pray that they will go out with the missionary spirit, maintain their ideals and come back to us sweet and clean as when they went away. I trust that it will be possible to keep them out of this terrible war. You parents and loved ones, keep as close to them as you possibly can. I want every Latter-day Saint soldier to get down on his knees and pray God to help him lead a clean life, and to preach the gospel while he is in the army. Now, I pray the Lord to bless our boys. I give them my blessing, and I havea right to bless them, and I promise them that, if they will be prayerful, God will give them joy even in the army, if they will live sweet and clean lives. I do hope and pray that they will be like the Lamanites who were converted and who, when they went into war, none of them lost their lives30 The stake primary board, under the direction of President Amy Heiner, wrote a letter to the "Grown up Primary Soldiers of Morgan Stake" in which the board promised that "no matter how dark the hour or severe the ordeal, you will not be overwhelmed if you have faith."31 Jesse C. Little summed up so many of the thoughts of the members of the Stake with the following poem: With our love through this human Christmas Tree Our greetings pass along to you, How we laud you for your gallantry; Now to your own dear selves be true. True victory lies in self control, Twill lock the gates of sin. And glorify our immortal souls As we purify within. May we cherish that pure love of Him Upon whom the heavens smiled. When the Star shone o'er fair Bethlehem As a halo o'er the sleeping child. In the ranks as valiant soldiers, In a cause that must be won, With this burden on our shoulders, As we bask in hope's bright sun. Let us ask in faith, it shall be given, God will lighten our load of care. For the key that opens Heaven Is the key of humble prayer.32 In January 1944, Corporal D. R. Brooks, who was stationed in England, wrote home telling a heart warming story. Many of the servicemen had sponsored war orphans for Christmas, and his outfit had adopted a nine year 153