“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. (Contd)
My paternal grandfather was already in the PA guard on Dec 7th. He was actually heading home on leave to attend a funeral when the announcement came over the radio. He immediately had to return to Langley and his unit was activated. He was in Company B of the 21st Engineers (Avn)… the first unit of it’s kind in the Army Air Corps. They eventually became the 824th Engineer Battalion Aviation (Separate). He was a member of the “FBI”… the Forgotten Bastards of Iceland.
I Salute our fallen heroes! Thank you for keeping us free. I hope in the near future we do not find that you fought just to have our freedom given away. God Bless American and all Americans!
Unfortunately most young people have very little understanding of our nations history. I believe that is a real factor considering the confusion and conflict in our society today. I remember that day vividly.
Hopefully the MSM press will continue to talk about Pearl Harbor for years after the last survivors have died. The nation needs to be reminded so we never get caught unaware again.
We were in the car listening to Jack Benny, going to visit my grandmothers brother in Lower Lake, when we heard about the bombing of Pearl Harbor. That is one of those things I have always remembered. After the war, the Missouri came into SF Bay, and we got to go on board, it still had all the armament, so many AA guns it looked like a porcupine. I saw it some years later, reconditioned for modern war being sent to the Gulf War.
jmworacle almost 4 years ago
In memory of William Joseph “Phil” Phillips. He didn’t fight at Pearl Harbor but was a P.O.W. on the Pacific front. GOD BLESS all who served!
Boots at the Boar Premium Member almost 4 years ago
The Japanese gave us Nintendo and Playstation. I forgive them any former transgressions.
Yakety Sax almost 4 years ago
“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. (Contd)
Caretaker24523 almost 4 years ago
My paternal grandfather was already in the PA guard on Dec 7th. He was actually heading home on leave to attend a funeral when the announcement came over the radio. He immediately had to return to Langley and his unit was activated. He was in Company B of the 21st Engineers (Avn)… the first unit of it’s kind in the Army Air Corps. They eventually became the 824th Engineer Battalion Aviation (Separate). He was a member of the “FBI”… the Forgotten Bastards of Iceland.
1953Baby almost 4 years ago
I wondered if any comics would remember. Thank you.
bigal666 almost 4 years ago
Thanks, Gramma.
Yardley701 almost 4 years ago
I Salute our fallen heroes! Thank you for keeping us free. I hope in the near future we do not find that you fought just to have our freedom given away. God Bless American and all Americans!
sandflea almost 4 years ago
Thank you for the tribute today. Haven’t seen many.
grenjello almost 4 years ago
Did the president even acknowledge this?
WCraft Premium Member almost 4 years ago
A nice tribute. Thanks for reminding us to never forget!
BruceDensley almost 4 years ago
Unfortunately most young people have very little understanding of our nations history. I believe that is a real factor considering the confusion and conflict in our society today. I remember that day vividly.
BeniHanna6 Premium Member almost 4 years ago
Hopefully the MSM press will continue to talk about Pearl Harbor for years after the last survivors have died. The nation needs to be reminded so we never get caught unaware again.
BigShell almost 4 years ago
In memory of my father. He was wounded on the beaches of Iwo Jima and was lucky enough to survive the war.
josephwegener almost 4 years ago
Thank you for posting that
bike2sac almost 4 years ago
We were in the car listening to Jack Benny, going to visit my grandmothers brother in Lower Lake, when we heard about the bombing of Pearl Harbor. That is one of those things I have always remembered. After the war, the Missouri came into SF Bay, and we got to go on board, it still had all the armament, so many AA guns it looked like a porcupine. I saw it some years later, reconditioned for modern war being sent to the Gulf War.