12/07/1941.. A day that will live in infamy......

[MAD6Gun]

 Today marks the 72 anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. I day we should never forget. I was reading the paper today about a PH vet that at 96 stills works 3 days a week at the Pearl Harbor Memorial. We are loosing WWII vets every day.  We all need to make sure that history and these fine Men and Women sacrifices are never forgotten.....

[RainMaker]

God bless our Veterans and all those who were first shocked by the "dastardly attack" and then responded with a might and fearsomeness seldom seen.  My grandparents worked in the defense factories and told me of the fear and then resolve they felt and saw. While they were not on the front lines, they made the front lines possible.

My father-in-law was on the Army General Staff in Washington working personnel.  He remembers Dec 7th like it was yesterday.  We took him to the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg this year and he cried at the place where the Japanese mini-sub is and they play soundtracks from Pearl Harbor.  Had to leave that area pretty quickly.

Again, God bless our Veterans.

Say "thanks" to a Veteran today.

[old2soon]

Dad had a "critical" war time job. Truck driver-stuff HAD to move. When I was at Pearl Harbor the first time in 1964 to actually still see vestiges of December 7 1941 and then to sail the same ocean the WWII ships did and drop a wreath at the grave of the first U S S Yorktown C V 5 And also be on a ship that saw action in the Pacific in WWII-and then to help fight that ship off of Vietnam!! On a couple of P G R missions I've been Honored to stand Flag Line for WWII Vets. What you notice or what I notice most of all-Not a lot of people there the Vets age. May GOD bless All our Vets from all wars.

[Reb]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhtuMrMVJDk

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.

- Franklin Delano Roosevelt