Pearl Harbor Day

Today is the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor that drew the U.S. into world war II.. (it's also my father's birthday... Happy birthday dad)

Here is Franklin Delano Roosevelt's speech to Congress, after the attack... it's worth reviewing, especially today.

For those who haven't heard or read it before... it was an impassioned speech... given shortly after the surprise attack on the American fleet in Hawaii.  It came as a major surprise, since Japan had not declared war on the U.S., in fact they were still in active diplomatic talks.  Japan hoped to catch all of the U.S. aircraft carriers in the harbor, but they failed as many were already out of the harbor that fateful morning.  They hoped to cribble the U.S. Navy, which they certainly did... but in doing so, rather than keeping the U.S. out of the war, they had wakened a sleeping dragon. The attack killed over 2,400 servicemen, wounded over 1200, and destroyed 188 planes, they sank 4 battleships, damaged 4 more, and 1 minelayer... and major damage to the harbour in general.

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.

Take a moment, and think about our troops, still in harm's way... and be thankful for those who serve in our nation's armed services.  We are a grateful nation.