121602pearl

   The flag of the United States shall fly at half-staff each December seventh
in honor of the individuals who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.
December 7, 1941 is the day President Franklin Roosevelt referred to when
he said "the Day That Shall Live In Infamy".

       Franklin D. Roosevelt's Pearl Harbor Speech
        (December 8, 1941)
       To the Congress of the United States:

       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 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.

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