December 7th

Many years ago when I lived in Denver and my parents lived in Texas……..I had the opportunity to visit Oahu, Hawaii with my step-mother.  I had traveled some in my life, but never outside the mainland.  This  was a wondrous trip……a trip of a lifetime!  The beaches of Oahu were pristine, the color of the water was something I had never seen in all my years of living on the East coast.  We toured the island in a rental car…..took a catamaran tour out into the ocean where I was able to jump in and take a swim.  There were so many beautiful sites…..Diamond Head….the beaches of the North Shore….Waikiki……..the lush foliage covering the mountains.  I was in awe at the beauty. 

There is one place on Oahu that I believe everyone visits……..Pearl Harbor.  Words cannot describe my feeling as we took the boat out to the Arizona Memorial.  The emotions I experienced as I stood inside the memorial looking down into the water at all that remained of that once proud ship were unexpected.  The tears in my eyes as I viewed the wall with the names of those who perished that December 7th so long ago were for so many who lost their lives that day.  It was truly a humbling experience.  The fact that this island of beauty once experienced a day of horror was so hard to comprehend….until you visited Pearl Harbor.  The many memorials that dot the water were a stark reminder of that day.  A December 7th doesn’t go by that I don’t recall the day I stood inside that memorial……and remembered those who lost their lives December 7th, 1941. 

President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Speech

December 8th, 1941

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. . .