A Day Which Will Live in Infamy

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.


Today marks the 66th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, thus thrusting an otherwise uncooperative United States into World War II.

The first ship attacked was the USS Arizona, which is a memorial site for the 1,177 service men killed from the ship. The ship continues to leak oil (approximately 1 quart per year) in Pearl Harbor.

I myself had no clue that so many other places where attacked, even with my extreme background in international affairs and the like. I think that it's so sad that the United States education system really only focuses on the United States. Any international programs, as in the high school I went to, simply don't have enough funding or resources to teach enough. But I digress.

As it is such a solemn day, filled with so many deaths, I'd like to take the time to stop and acknowledge any service men and women reading this. I cannot express in words my gratefulness to you for your sacrifices every day in order to keep this nation and all who live here safe and free.

On a similar note, I had an interesting thing happen the other day. I was getting lunch, on another of my prep snow drives. When I drove past the place where we were going to get lunch, searching for a parking spot, I spotted a soldier, maybe a recruiter, I'm not sure. All I know is that it was someone brave in real camouflage, with the beret and the whole deal. After finding a parking spot, and walking back over towards Rose's Subs, the man was gone. I wish that there had been a way to stop in the middle of the street and thank him for being so brave and so courageous. Alas, there wasn't.

Please remember our troops families this Christmas. No, I'm not asking you to give anything. All I'm asking is that you remember them. Christmas day, at your big family function, if you pray, pray for them. If you don't, then at least have them in your thoughts. If you know someone who has served or is serving, make an effort to tell them you care about them.