"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 colleagues delivered to our 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 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......
... 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 7th, 1941, a state of war has
existed between the United States and the Japanese empire."
~~Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dec 8th, 1941, in his speech to Congress
