Chapter 38 a day that will last forever

Mr. Speaker, Members of the Senate and House of Representatives: Yesterday, December 7th, 1941 - a date that 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 of America was at peace with that country at the time, and, at the request of Japan, was still in dialogue with the government of that country and the emperor of that country, expecting to maintain peace in the Pacific.In fact, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleagues submitted to our Secretary of State the formal reply to the latest letter from the United States to Japan, just one hour after the Japanese air squadron had begun to bomb the American island of Oahu.While the reply stated that it seemed futile to continue the ongoing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.

It should be on the record that, because of Hawaii's distance from Japan, the attack was clearly planned days or even weeks in advance.During the planning process, the Japanese government deliberately deceived the United States through false statements and expressions of desire to maintain peace. Yesterday's attack on the Hawaiian Islands caused serious damage to United States naval and military forces, and I regret to tell you that many American lives were lost.Here, too, American ships were reported to have been torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu. Yesterday, the Japanese government launched an attack on Malaysia.

Last night, Japanese troops attacked Hong Kong. Last night, Japanese troops attacked Guam. Last night, Japanese troops attacked the Philippine Islands. Last night, Japanese troops attacked Wake Island. This morning, Japanese troops attacked Midway. Therefore, Japan has taken a sudden offensive throughout the Pacific region.The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves.The people of the United States have formed their opinions and know full well that the security and very existence of our nation is at stake. As Commander-in-Chief of the Navy and Army, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.

But our entire nation will forever remember the nature of this attack on us. No matter how long it takes to defeat this premeditated invasion, the American people will definitely win an absolute victory with their righteous forces. I assert now that not only will we do our best to defend ourselves, we will ensure that this form of treachery never again endangers us.When I say this, I believe it expresses the will of the Congress and the people. The hostilities already exist.Needless to say, our people, our territory and our interests are at grave risk. Trust in our Armed Forces—on the firm faith of our people—we shall surely win—God help me?

I ask Congress to declare that since Sunday, December 7th, 1941, when Japan launched its unprovoked and cowardly attack, there has been a state of war between the United States and the Empire of Japan.