"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."
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 32nd President of the United States
It was the famous speech that marked the start of the war in the Pacific, it was the speech that signaled the incoming destruction of the Axis powers and it was the speech that awaken the sleeping giant that is the United States of America.
"I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve."
- Presumably by Naval Marshal General Isoroku Yamamoto
The attack on Pearl Harbor. The surprise attack that killed 2,403 Americans (both military and civilian) and wounded 1,178 others along with 21 ships sunk or damaged- most notably the USS Arizona- and 188 aircrafts shot down on December 7th, 1941.
A truly tragic chapter of American history.
"Remember Pearl Harbor"
- Commander Lewis Preston Harris
It was the saying that kept the fire of fury burning and propel the American forces through numerous battles, some with impossible odds...
Coral Sea...
Midway...
Philippine Sea...
Leyte Gulf...
Iwo Jima...
Okinawa...
... To victory on September 2nd, 1945 in Tokyo Bay on the deck of USS Missouri.
Today, 80 years later, we remember the ones who fell on the day of infamy and salute them with utmost respect. May those brave souls rest in peace.
- Ent1610, December 7th, 2021
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