December 7, 1941

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bassoonuba
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December 7, 1941

Post by bassoonuba » Fri Dec 07, 2007 7:30 pm

All personal beliefs about the current political situation aside... lest we never forget.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt wrote: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.
Thank you to the men and women who have paid the ultimate price so that I can live freely. :flag:
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BGRtumpet
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Post by BGRtumpet » Fri Dec 07, 2007 10:08 pm

You've got to appreciate FDR's rhetoric.
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Post by FluteOfTheNewWorld » Fri Dec 07, 2007 10:45 pm

:hug: 66 Years ago today.
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Post by IsnipeWithAknife » Wed Dec 19, 2007 10:16 pm

"I'm never going to donate to veterans" - Somebody at my hippie school :roll: :roll: :roll:
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Post by LoyalTubist » Thu Dec 20, 2007 1:30 am

IsnipeWithAknife wrote:"I'm never going to donate to veterans" - Somebody at my hippie school :roll: :roll: :roll:
You might be surprised at the admiration for US military veterans here in Vietnam. As most of you know, I served for seven years in the US Army band program in three bands. I am a true veteran of the Cold War, having served behind the Iron Curtain with the 298th Army Band of the Berlin Brigade. This also made me an honorary veteran of World War II (all personnel assigned to Berlin for 90 days + were awarded the World War II Army of Occupation Medal, who were assigned there 1945-94... I was there from 1979-82).

Although my present location behind the Bamboo Curtain might defy my feelings, I am still very opposed to any kind of totalitarian government. I am still a loyal American citizen.

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