"date that will live in infamy"

[VBF-12_Snake9]

December 7th 1941.  For us Americans, this is the date WW2 became a reality.  Usually there is a thread posted reminding us Americans.  I love the study of history and hold this day as one of those days that changed history for the world.  This date bought the main superpower of that time into the war.  One could argue many things, but from a historical perspective, today, the future of WW2 changed in just a few hours.    

 

Not meant to belittle any other country, just meant to honor this special day. 

 

 

President Franklin D. Roosevelt: 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. 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. 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 as 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 Japanese forces 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. But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us. . .

Source: Courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, New York.

Edited December 7, 2014 by VBF-12Snake9

[CorsairHundo]

Yamamoto said something like, "Woke the Sleeping Giant"

[YSoMadTovarisch]

Wrong forums bro.

 

But......

つ ◕_◕ ༽つ

[-NW-ChiefRedCloud]

[avlSteve]

My wife's grandmother spent her 7th birthday watching the infamy unfold from a rooftop overlooking the harbor.

Edited December 7, 2014 by avlSteve

[johncage]

must have been a similar experiences to those who were school children when wtc got hit. takes away one's innocence right quick.