“A Date That Will Live In Infamy”

A date that will live in infamy. Nearly 2,500 of our men and women were lost in the deadly attack by the Japanese on the US fleet at Pearl Harbor. This attack brought the US into WWII. The very next day, President Roosevelt gave one of the most noteworthy speeches in US history when he asked Congress to declare war against the Empire of Japan. Shortly afterward, Hitler declared war on the US, and we became one of the Allies. The arsenal of democracy that had been helping to supply the World with vehicles, weapons, rations, and equipment was now a participant in the conflict.

We’d suffer nowhere near the damage that Britain had suffered during the Blitz, and we’d lose nowhere near the number of troops that the Russians did against Germany, but we would contribute to the victory in more ways than providing manpower. Weapons and equipment would continue to flow into the countries at war. Our factories would produce goods at a rate never seem before. Our transports would get the materiel where it was needed. Our people would sacrifice, our men would fight, and our men and women would die, but ultimately, freedom would prevail. Italy, Germany, and Japan would suffer incredible defeats, and the outcome would set up the Cold War. 

The day after the Pearl Harbor attack, President Roosevelt gave his speech. At the bottom of this post, there is a link for a timeline of events that led up to the attack. The text of Roosevelt’s address to Congress follows below:

“ Mr. Vice President, and Mr. Speaker, and Members of the Senate and House of Representatives: 

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 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. 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 that 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 it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us. 

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, December 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.”

https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4206060&fbclid=IwAR3p0lmnYDjtvmwhZrSnjF5lCGEmrqE7K5NDT9mVwMMv5_ecgkM1fwaS_5s

Never forget!