60 Years Ago

It was 60 years ago today that I lost an uncle on the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor. He along with thousands of other Americans and Hawians (Hawaii was not a state yet) lost their lives that day. I think its important to remember what FDR said Asking for a Declaration of a State of War between the United States and Japan, December 8, 1941.

Yesterday, 7 December 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 Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague 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 had 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 were 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 Japanese forces 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 unbounded 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, 7 December, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.

why do burley americans always try to rekindle old fires?

60 Years already? I remember 50 not that long ago.

Yogs, you should italicize FDR's declaration of war or something. I had to read it several times before I figured that Japan didn't attack yesterday (12-6-2001).

There's nothing bad about what Yogs is doing. He's not rekindling anything. It just that the whole WTC attack is similar to Pearl Harbor in some ways. We can't help but reflect.

Yogs, I feel ya.

hes not rekindling nething hes paying his respects to the people who died on that horrible day and lets not get started with the whole WTC thing cause its not even over yet, i cant wait till they catch that #$%^................

I think it there is a bit of a difference between the two horrific times. Perl Harbor was a deliberate attack on military installations and the US was not officially at war. Once they got in Japan realized it was a terrible mistake just as those who are responcible for the WTC's will find out also

Everytime I watch "Tora Tora Tora" and at the end Admiral Yamamoto says
I fear all we have done is awakened a sleeping giant and instilled in him a terrible resolve

I get chills down my back.

And how true was that?

Now think about it. If the US went after the terroists with the same attitude then all hell would break loose