Sunday, December 7th, 1941, a day that will live in Infamy
I read the Biography of Admiral Yamamoto, the architect of the
attack. He believed that the only way to defeat the United
States of America was a surprise attack that would disable our
military in the Pacific. He clearly stated that he feared that
if the attack was not completely successful, it would awaken a
sleeping giant that the Empire of Japan could not defeat in
standard battle. It must haunt his legacy.
Tactically, the mistake was not destroying the aircraft carriers
which were out at sea that day, or his plan may have succeeded.
As it turned out, he was shot down only a few years later in a
surprise attack by a squadron of P-38's heading to an inspection
in the Pacific.
I find ironic the words of the second half of the speech, if
applied to 9/11, would be appropriate. Also ironic is that Japan
was extending it's reach for economic resources.
The Speech
by FDR to Congress:
Yesterday, 7 December 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 had 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, very many American lives were 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 Japanese forces 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 and today
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.
But always will our whole nation 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, 7 December 1941, a state of
war has existed between the United States and the Japanese
Empire.