December 7, 1941 - A Day That Will Live In Infamy

[m3a1]

The President Requests War Declaration 125 ( "December 7, 1941 A Date Which Will Live in Infamy" Address to the Congress Asking That a State of War Be Declared Between the United States and Japan. December 8, 1941


Mr. Vice President, and Mr. Speaker, and Members of the Senate and House of Representatives:


YESTERDAY, December 7, 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.


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125. The President Requests War Declaration


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 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.

[m3a1]

Just something to think about in our present, trying times.

[acudanut]

Just think, next year will be 80 years and 20 for 9/11.

[rickf]

Lest we also remember this men who worked in the most dangerous conditions to repair and salvage the warships. This would never happen today due to all the laws regarding "safety in the workplace".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bB-V9cCSC8o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlLCe1WNaIE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eibt2gYuFD4

[Mark]

I had 3 uncles who fought in WW2, against the Japanese, they hated the Japanese people, would have nothing to do with them.They had that attitude to the day they died.

[m3a1]

Yeah, I understand it. Grow up during the a World War (which was supposed to end all wars) and a pandemic, and the 'Great' Depression and just as soon as you're finally old enough to go out and really make your mark on the world, some nitwit starts a SECOND World War and interrupts your life AGAIN. Folks at home are getting fat on war work and you're making $50 a month while people are shooting, bombing and mortaring you and your chums. Oh, and you get to dig a hole in the ground (which may become a convenient grave) and sleep in it while keeping one eye open. Kinda hard to put all that aside and be friendly to your former enemies.

Cheers,
TJ