Yesterday

President Roosevelt speaking 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 the 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 well be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it oblivious 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 sever damage to American and 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 suprise 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-Cheif 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 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 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.

[locksly]

My father and his brothers answered the call.
May our fathers uncles and Grandfathers rest in peace , with the knowledge that their sacrifices were not in vain.
If they are still with you let them know you appreciate their sacrifices for the nation.

[PHO127]

That comes into the bar LT and I go to, Was a Captain in the 10th Mountain Division. Won the Silver Star in Italy for having his machine guns at the right place at the right time and in his words
"Filled two 6X6s with German Bodies".

[DMZ-LT]

He got a battlefield commission. He likes talking to us cause we were in the Army in Vietnam. It is a honor talking to him.

[catman]

Bring him to the mountain in April! Would love to hear some of his stories!

Trav