Spirit of the Nation ★ Female America

11. The Giant Awakens

December 8, 1941

House of Representatives

Washington, D.C., United States

Restless energy filled the House chamber below. Mrs. Roosevelt's hand squeezed mine tightly as her husband prepared to address the joint session of Congress. Every single member was present, along with their staff and anyone else who could squeeze onto the floor for this historic moment.

The room filled with applause when President Roosevelt took the podium.

"Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives," he began gravely. "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."

Feeling a surge of anxiety, I closed my eyes.

"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 towards the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. 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."

His voice began to fade into the background as the scene appeared in my mind. At least two thousand Americans were dead, and many thousands more were severely injured. Eight battleships had been sunk. It was almost unfathomable.

I tried to push away my growing sense of doom.

"As Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. 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."

Deafening applause erupted. As a standing ovation began, Mrs. Roosevelt dropped my hand and stood. I rose slowly, grasping the railing in front of me as I looked down at the crowd. The people clapped, cheered, and whistled.

I swallowed thickly.

Once the room settled, the President continued. "Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger..."

A member of my staff suddenly appeared and apologized for the interruption. "Visitor calling at the White House for you," he whispered to me.

I blinked in shock. "Whom...?"

"He gave only 'Edward,' madam."

My mouth fell open.

I bit my fingernails to the quick on the car ride over. Europe was not at war with Japan, and the US was not at war with Germany. If anything, keeping these wars completely separate was the wisest course of action. I told myself this over and over again, even as I fought off intense anxiety.

As soon as someone opened my door for me, I flew out of my seat. I sprinted to the door as fast as my pumps would allow and yanked it open, ignoring the hurried apologies of the Secret Service agent posted there. My eyes frantically scanned the parlor until I realized he was standing right inside the door. His eyes were bloodshot, his hair was disheveled, and his suit was wrinkled.

"England..."

"We're declaring war on Japan."

I cupped my hand over my mouth as my emotions swelled.

"Such a cowardly, immoral attack," he said, shaking his head incredulously. "You will not go it alone. We will make Japan regret this."

In spite of my stubbornness, my selfishness, and my wanton disregard for him again and again—there he stood. He remained strong and unbroken in the midst of war, in the face of evil, and even stood ready to help shoulder my burden. Relief broke the dam withholding my emotions, and a wave of fear and anguish spilled out inside of me.

I covered my face and cried in reckless abandon.

Arms encircled me. One of his hands cradled my head to his chest, and the other rubbed circles into my back.

"Silly woman," he murmured softly.

As he held me, I felt his strength seeping into me, stabilizing me, clearing the fog of terror from my brain. My tears soon began to dry. I breathed in deeply as something awakened deep inside of me. Awakened by the force of a hundred million united Americans.

"They'll pay," I whispered. "For every drop of blood, they'll pay by the gallon."

The hand on my back froze.

~

A/N: Oh boy...here we go. Please vote <3