Pearl Harbor Day

Poster from LGF .

The next day, President Roosevelt addressed congress.

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.