BF2S Forums December 7, 1941, The Day of Infamy...

Roosevelt wrote:

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.

Fenris_GreyClaw wrote:

jkohlc wrote:

December 7, The Day of Infamy...

Its also my older sisters birthday.

My younger sisters birthday is February 7th, the Axis counteroffensive in Anzio.

My mum's birthday is June 6, the D-Day landings.

and mines November 11th, Remembrance/Armistice Day and the end of WWI.

My family is special.

usmarine2007 wrote:

Drakef wrote:

It is important to recognize the historical significance of the Pearl Harbours Attacks, but one should also recognize the lives of all soldiers who died in the Second World War, even German or Soviet lives. On December 7, 1942, untold thousands fell at Stalingrad. Should not those lives be remembered?

I repect most soldiers, even ones who have shot at me.  But, I will not recognize the SS for starters.

usmarine2007 wrote:

Drakef wrote:

usmarine2007 wrote:

I repect most soldiers, even ones who have shot at me.  But, I will not recognize the SS for starters.

Of course, no one expects you to recognize the SS. But I do not find respect in the lives of soldiers, only tragedy in their death, injury, and especially, forced service.

You don't find respect in their lives?  Let me explain something that TOO many people seem to forget in America.  It is an all volunteer military.  If people did not volunteer, there would be a draft.  So, believe it or not, people do owe respect to the lives of their soldiers.