a date which will live in infamy
OPEN THREADSYesterday, December 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 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 Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to the Secretary of State a form 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 had 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 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 unbounded 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 seventh, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.
None of us were alive 12-7-1941. I know most of you have studied history and know the ins and outs of this period of time. News didn't travel as quickly, secrets could be kept by anyone who wished, the entire country sacrificed and contributed to the war efforts, the country who attacked America was the same country war was waged against. What other stark differences are there in that war and our country's invasion of Iraq in 2003?
Due to the Ultra project, the U.S. was aware of the contents of the message before the attack. In what might be described a comedy of errors, if the results had not been so tragic, notification of the forces in the Pacific was delayed, as the warning (at least to the Navy) was sent by Western Union, not marked "Urgent". This was, as I recall, the result of the inability to send the message by the military communications system ("atmospherics" in the words of the script of the referenced movie).
Congress at the time, and the Senate in particular, was isolationist; the impending hostilities in Europe and the Pacific were being ignored by the same, and President Roosevelt had to engage in some maneuvering of questionable legality to assist England and Europe in particular.
Historically, what Vaughn described at 9:27am seems about right. However, history isn't my strongest point, though I do have interest in it(usually watch the History channel) and discuss things with my wifes grandfather(whose Ph.D. is in History).
So I find history to be of interest and of importance but not perhaps to my "day to day" life, but perhaps in the overall scheme of things in understanding what events led to what other events. Yes, I subscribe to the "cause and effect" theory, which may have something to do with my understanding of physics.
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