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FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT ADDRESSING CONGRESS 1941
Day of Infamy
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Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
Go here for more about
Franklin D. Roosevelt's Day of Infamy
Speech.
Go here for more about the
Pearl Harbor Attack.
It follows the full text transcript of
Franklin D. Roosevelt's
Day of Infamy
speech, delivered to Congress, Washington D.C. - December 8,
1941.
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Yesterday,
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
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
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 7, a state of war has existed
between the United States and the Japanese
Empire.
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