Dec 7

[Damn True]

Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives:
Yesterday, December 7th, 1941 -- a date which will live in infamy -- the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.
Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.
And this morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As commander in chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us.
No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.
I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger.
With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph -- so help us God.
I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.

Thank you to all American men and women who's lives forever changed on that day.

[harshman]

There is one thing I regret and that is that I never joined the military. I have a deep respect for the men and women who fight for our country. Thank you for your gift to us.

[wick]

There is one thing I regret and that is that I never joined the military. I have a deep respect for the men and women who fight for our country. Thank you for your gift to us.

Myself as well. I knew from an early age I would be a Marine but asthma kept me from getting in the front door. Thanks to those that give their time for our defense.

[BA.]

Good post DT.

"a day of infamy" indeed.

[6'9"Witha69]

x3 for wanting to join but having had knee surgery @ 17 and the asthma, I was passed over. Damn I wanted to be a Marine. I ended a long tradition of military service in my family.

For all the rest

[dropit69]

we will never forget..i have been to the Pearl Harbor memorial..such a cool thing to see if you get the chance..

[WS6]

Thanks to you True to everyone else who served.

[Damn True]

Just out of curiosity....Did anyone hear mention of the significance of this day on TV, radio or in common discussion in the workplace?

[WS6]

I listen to Neal Boortz on WSB am radio. It's a conservative radio station. So, yes I did. Fox News had something as well. That's all I have seen or watched.

[MrQuick]

Being a patriotic hawaiian american military brat army drop out (involuntary discharge)

I will never forget Dec 7th.

[Aceshigh]

we will never forget..i have been to the Pearl Harbor memorial..such a cool thing to see if you get the chance..

Been there myself 2x while I was in the Navy.
That's my ship in the background....now decommissioned.
The USS California CGN-36, a ship that bears the name of 1
of the sunken Battleships in Pearl Harbor BB-44.


I was there also for the 50th anniversary world wide commemoration of the
signing of the treaty that ended WWII with ships from all around the world.
Very cool place to visit.

[hoosiergta]

Definently wish I had joined the air forceor army.Sadly the hair-cut kept me out. Sounds pretty selfish now.