The following famous speech took place on December 8, 1941, in a full session of the American Congress and was radio broadcast to the American people and around the world.

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

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 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 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire. 

Credit is given here

I'm very grateful to be living today, because of the the soldiers and sailors who fought on this day for America against the invading forces which bombed Pearl Harbor.


#NeverForget

Before Pearl Habor, we Remembered The Maine! and had a few other rallying cries.  I think Pearl Harbor is going to by the wayside because (a) there aren't a ton of WWII veterans still around and (b) that entire generation is dying.  Their stories stay in the books but the actual memories go with them.

We also have 9/11, our Pearl Harbor.  That is much more recent, only 13 years ago compared to 73 odd years.  If you were 18 during the Pearl Harbor attack, you'd be rolling up 91 years of life on this green earth.

There aren't a lot of 91 year olds wandering around the way there are mid 30 year olds who vividly remember the attacks in New York. 

But we should remember.  It's important because it's such a big piece of our history.  

Also, from a tactical standpoint, the Japanese did put in a wonderful attack.  They did things right.  The events of the 1920s leading up the Pearl Harbor are also fascinating if you take the time to read what led up to Japan's World War II.

I have been to the memorial and I always see Japanese there.  I wonder what they think.  Probably the same thing we think when Americans go the Dome in Hiroshima.

I think we should also remember the USS Arizona, wich I belive was sunk 2 days after Pearl Harbor.

We should remember it since we were fortunate enough our soldiers were there to protect us. Its an important part of American History too.I admit the Japanese did a good job at attacking us tactically. I feel like people don't remember or care about it as much as we should.

thing1 :

It's particularly amazing that we didn't have a single carrier at Pearl Harbor when it happened too.