Dec. 7th, 1941 PEARL HARBOR

Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives:

Yesterday, December 7th, 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.

USS ARIZONA -- BB-39  There is a sailor standing on the turret top at the lower left.

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.

 

Rescuing survivors near USS West Virginia during Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, USA

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.

Photo of Pearl Harbor attack taken from a Japanese plane

photo and caption credit

U.S. Naval Historical Center Public Domain Photographs

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.

Navy's caption: Keel of the capsized USS Oklahoma with the USS Maryland in the background during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941.  

photo and caption credit
National Archives and Records Administration Public Domain Photographs

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.

Navy's caption: The terrific explosion of the destroyer USS SHAW when her magazine exploded after being bombed by Japanese aircraft in the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.  (This picture, in some books, is captioned as the USS ARIZONA exploading, but the Navy's archives says it is the Shaw.--John)

photo and caption credit
National Archives and Records Administration Public Domain Photographs

 

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.

 photo and caption credit
National Archives and Records Administration Public Domain Photographs

Naval photograph documenting the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii which initiated US participation in World War II. The destroyers USS Cassin and USS Downes in dry-dock with the battleship USS Pennsylvania in the background after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.

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. But 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.

 photo and caption credit
Franklin D. Roosevelt Library Public Domain Photographs

Wreckage of the bombed USS Shaw in Pearl Harbor.

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

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Pearl Harbor Speech before the Senate and Congress, December 8, 1941

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We still have young men and women in harms way, please remember them in our thoughts and prayers.--John