(Friday, April 13, 1945, luncheon began at 12:30 p.m. EWT; during World War II) –President Harry S. Truman, beginning his first full day in the nation’s highest office following the sudden death of President Roosevelt, asked the American people for their prayers today.

Emerging from a luncheon on Capitol Hill held in his honor, the newly sworn-in chief executive paused to speak briefly with reporters.

“Boys, if you ever pray, pray for me now,” Truman said solemnly. “When they told me yesterday what had happened, I felt like the moon, the stars, and all the planets had fallen on me.”

The new President, who had been vice president for only 82 days before assuming the presidency upon Roosevelt’s death yesterday afternoon, appeared composed but deeply affected by the gravity of his new responsibilities.

He spent the morning meeting with advisors and preparing to assume command of a nation still at war on two fronts. Meanwhile, tributes to the fallen President poured in from across the globe, and flags flew at half-staff in the capital and throughout the country.