Today, 62 years ago.

Iceberg · Post by **Iceberg** » 2003-12-07 09:37am

In just over two hours, it will be sixty-two years to the moment that Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Empire of Japan, bringing the United States formally into the Second World War. The following morning, America's President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, gave this speech to Congress:

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 Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague 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 unbounded 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 seventh, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire."

We owe it to those who sacrificed themselves to save the world from Hitler, Mussolini and Tojo never to forget their lives, and their deaths.

Post by **Gandalf** » 2003-12-07 09:46am

Sarevok · Post by **Sarevok** » 2003-12-07 10:20am

MKSheppard · Post by **MKSheppard** » 2003-12-07 10:42am

...

*looks at MS System clock, blinks*

Hey, it's a Sunday morning too!

*blink*

Nathan F · Post by **Nathan F** » 2003-12-07 11:34am

May we never forget Dec. 7, 1941. Why we haven't learned that we aren't untouchable, I'll never know....

kojikun · Post by **kojikun** » 2003-12-07 01:26pm

May our weapons be guided unwavering into the hearts of our enemies and away from those we would with intention become enemies to; May our swords be drawn for just cause and not at the whim of dictators; May we not provoke hatred of us for short term benefits.

Let us hope that our foolishness does not take us on a course that would make the next Pearl Harbor our doing.

Nathan F · Post by **Nathan F** » 2003-12-07 03:05pm

I've heard people say that it is impossible to forgive for this act. I don't think that, as long as the Japanese government refuses to teach the things they did, that it will be possible for us to entirely forgive them (the government and those that committed the acts, not necessarily the people).

Chardok · Post by **Chardok** » 2003-12-07 03:10pm

Howedar · Post by **Howedar** » 2003-12-07 07:16pm

I shall never forget.

Post by **Sea Skimmer** » 2003-12-07 08:16pm