Plans for citywide prayer when the Allies begin the invasion of Europe on D-Day are being made by Mayor Leo C. Williamson, it was announced yesterday.

Following the example of many communities across the country, Mayor Williamson plans to issue a proclamation urging Williamsport residents to meet for prayer at homes and churches as the Allies open the final drive to put Germany out of the war.

The mayor said he plans to contact all ministers in the community and ask them to advise the public of the beginning of the invasion by the ringing of church bells. He also asked the churches to be open to the public so that residents may gather for meditation and prayer.

Churches having chimes will be asked to play “Onward Christian Soldiers,” “The Star-Spangled Banner” and other appropriate hymns.

If the invasion report comes between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. it is planned to ring the church bells at 8 a.m. Mayor Williamson said he hoped that members of all churches would meet to pray while the Allied forces are endeavoring to conquer the Axis forces and he believed that employers so far as possible would allow employees to join in the services.

“With more than 8,000 Lycoming County men and serving in their country’s armed forces, many in England preparing to take part in the great invasion,” the mayor said. “It is only proper that we ask divine aid to guard them through the perils of this great task.

“The news reports tell us that the hour of this invasion is fast approaching. No moment, no event in our history has had greater significance in our destiny than the coming military venture promises to hold.”