It was heartening to see, on the front page of our Tyler, Texas, newspaper, "INFAMY Pearl Harbor, 70 years later." The article quoted from newspaper archives, the attack as it happened. There were short articles by 12 Pearl Harbor survivors, all living in the Tyler area. Tonight there will be an event to honor those who died and those who survived that terrible day. The numbers are diminishing quickly now, of those who lived through it. They are in their late 80s and into their 90s. Their memories however, are clear and detailed about what they saw, serving on ships that day at Pearl, or at the barracks.
I remember the day. I was 10 years old and had come home from the 8 a.m. Mass at St. Cecilia's Church in Los Angeles. I had changed clothes, had breakfast and gone outside to play. Gramma had not had the radio on earlier; but when she did turn it on, she heard the news. She called me in from outside to hear what had happened. We had more to worry about. The Japanese could bomb the Philippine Islands. We learned later that they had. My mother and stepfather (whom I had yet to meet) lived and worked in Manila. It wasn't until December 18, 1941, that we received a telegram from Mother. "All O.K. Lost nothing but our temper." That was soon to change. I'll cover the aftermath at a later date.
I thought today I could do no better than to quote FDR's speech of December 8, 1941, that the majority of citizens, I'm sure, sat glued to their chairs next to the radio to hear.
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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 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, 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 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, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.
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Whatever we may have learned or have had doubts about, regarding our foreknowledge of the Pearl Harbor attack, this speech, from the President of the United States, added to the determination of an already outraged populace to fight and to win - "SO HELP US GOD."
12/7/11
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