December 7th

[Steve Carlton]

A day to remember, pause, and reflect. Thank you to those in uniform putting their lives on the line for a just cause!

The original speech by Franklin Roosevelt:



To the Congress of the United States

Yesterday, Dec. 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 the government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleagues delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or 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. 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.

This morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday 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.

Always will we 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 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 very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.

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, Dec. 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.

[jweicht]

Great posting, Steve - I've never read that speech in its entirety before.

Years ago I had an experience with WW II vets that still sticks with me. I was a CH-53D helicopter crew chief in the Marine Corps, and was doing a static display with my aircraft at a military air show. I think the airshow was for the 2nd Marine Division reunion. Anyhow, I was inside the cabin answering questions for the veterans coming through the aircraft - they were in total awe of that huge machine. One 60-ish Marine turned to his buddy and said "Just think what it would have been like when we landed at that beach on Iwo if we could have done it in one of these". I was speechless as I realized these were two honest-to-God Iwo Jima Marines who had seen Hell on Earth. Humbled me real quick.

[shoemakj]

As it turns out, I just happened to be at Hickam AFB (then Hickam Field) today. The building I was in (PACAF HQ) still has the bullet holes in it as a reminder of the attack.

--Jim