December 7th 1941....

mainman

Set Trippin
Take a moment or two today to remember the heros, those that fell and those that did not.... :patriot:
 

mainman

Set Trippin
Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives:

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 the American island of Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And, while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of 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. I regret to tell you that 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.
And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.


Japan has therefore undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today 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, that always will our whole nation 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 that 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 it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.

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, December 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.

Franklin D. Roosevelt - December 8, 1941

...
 

ememdee19

Southern Beyotch
mainman said:
Take a moment or two today to remember the heros, those that fell and those that did not.... :patriot:

Thanks for posting this, MM. :wink: My grandmother was there and she was one hell of a woman!
 

aps45819

24/7 Single Dad
Kain99 said:
Some gave all....
Did you know there is a memorial for the fallen Japanese pilots in Kolekole pass on Ohau? Strange place since the pass is the dividing line between Schofield Barracks Army base and the Naval weapons station.
 

Larry Gude

Strung Out
The USS Arizona memorial...

...having only seen it on TV, gives me chills every time.

Half of ours who died 7 December, 1941, were lost when the magazine on the 'Zona went up. She went down so fast, of the 1,177 sailors she lost, most went down with her, trapped below decks.

To this day oil is still leaking from her and the her vets say it will be so until the last of them passes.

The lesson and memory of Pearl is simple; Peace through strength.

The only reason the Japanses attacked us was because they felt we were weak enough and if they could just cripple our Pacific fleet, we'd sue for peace being essentially unable to resist.

So, the next time you hear someone cry about the defense budget ask them how much a soldier or a sailor or a Marine or an airmens life is worth.
 

dustin

UAIOE
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Dec. 7, 1941

Today, we recall an event that changed the course of history and the destiny of civilization. More than 60 years ago, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. When the ambush was over, there were 2,403 dead and several thousand wounded.

As we remember the tragedy of Dec. 7, 1941, let us not forget the thousands of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen who died during that terrible ambush and in the subsequent years that followed. Their contributions, their sacrifice, their steadfast devotion to duty, God, country and to their families provide us with examples we need to emulate all the days of our lives. Today, we are strengthened by their demonstrations of resolve and perseverance. May their memory live on, and may we remain inspired by their dignity and their perseverance.

James R. Mueller
VFW Commander-in-Chief
:patriot:
 

mainman

Set Trippin
Larry Gude said:
...having only seen it on TV, gives me chills every time.

Half of ours who died 7 December, 1941, were lost when the magazine on the 'Zona went up. She went down so fast, of the 1,177 sailors she lost, most went down with her, trapped below decks.

To this day oil is still leaking from her and the her vets say it will be so until the last of them passes.

The lesson and memory of Pearl is simple; Peace through strength.

The only reason the Japanses attacked us was because they felt we were weak enough and if they could just cripple our Pacific fleet, we'd sue for peace being essentially unable to resist.

So, the next time you hear someone cry about the defense budget ask them how much a soldier or a sailor or a Marine or an airmens life is worth.
One thing I would like to do before I depart would be to visit...
 

arnert23

Home of the Brave
The 7 December 1941 Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor was one of the great defining moments in history. I was very fortunate to pay my respects last year on my 29th B-day at Pearl Harbor. It is something that I'd do again if I was given the chance. Thanks for the thread MM.
 

mainman

Set Trippin
arnert23 said:
The 7 December 1941 Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor was one of the great defining moments in history. I was very fortunate to pay my respects last year on my 29th B-day at Pearl Harbor. It is something that I'd do again if I was given the chance. Thanks for the thread MM.
Do you have photos? If so post some....:yay:
 
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