"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."
442310
God Bless all of our men and women in the armed forces...
Apple
A democrat with a backbone,
Nuthin but wimps today.
Swamp Fox
When our nation is threatened like it was that day, it doesn't matter what party we belong to or what color or religion or sexual preference we may have, we have always come together and stood up to tyrrany in all of it's heinous forms. My wish for this, the 68th anniversary of that fateful day, is that we will always stand up to those forces who would attempt such actions. Also, I would offer a simple Amen to the sentiments of 442310.
rookie_j70
God Bless America
coyotes22
May we NEVER forget:
12/07/41
09/11/01
coyotes22
CenterBHSFan
God BLESS our Troops!!!!
And God bless my stepfather who served in the Navy the last two years of this war!
darbypitcher22
A day that will live in infamy.
Con_Alma
This was the flash point that sent my father to enlist. He signed up for the duration of the war plus six months. He was pissed off. When I used to ask him about it, it was something he would never, ever forgive the Japanese for. The following line from that speech encapsulates his attitude perfectly.
"...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."
My father had a "whatever it takes attitude" and the world is a better place today because of him and people like him.
I miss you Dad.
BigYtownRed
Thank God for all of the greatest generation that kept us free & safe on the home front & gave freedom to all of those nations around the world by eventually destroying the Third Reich & the Japanese empire.
God bless our young men & women still fighting for freedom around the world.
A democrat with a backbone,
God Bless America
May we NEVER forget:
God BLESS our Troops!!!!
A day that will live in infamy.