December 7, 1941-2014
Today marks the 73rd anniversary of the bombing in Pearl Harbor and the beginning of World War II, “A Date Which Will Live in Infamy” in President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s own words.
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941, stunned virtually everyone in the United States military. Japan’s carrier-launched bombers found Pearl Harbor totally unprepared. President Franklin Roosevelt quickly addressed Congress to ask for a declaration of war. Although he never mentioned Europe or the fact that Germany had not yet declared war on the United States, the Pearl Harbor attack allowed him to begin the larger intervention in the European war he had long wanted…
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.
Video excerpt taken from Great Speeches Vol. 5. from Educational Video Group, Inc. available at http://www.evgonline.com
lostclipper.com 
I was stationed in Hawaii earlier as a Marine Corps Pilot at Kane`ohe, O`ahu, and I have lived here in the Islands for many years since I retired from commercial airline flying on the Mainland. Thus, there is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about Pan Am Clippers, Pearl Harbor, Wake Island, and Midway. Especially, today, December 7, 2014. For what it’s worth, though, I disagree with the basic premise of this website that the Honolulu Clipper was hijacked by the Japanese in 1938 and that the pax and crew were executed by them, and then buried under a concrete slab, formerly a hospital, on the island of Truk. I think that’s “la-la” thinking. Based on my extensive aviation experience in the Pacific and other places around the Globe, I think they crashed into the ocean as a result of severe weather, a bad forecast, and some poor in-flight decisions. But, I respect the intentions and integrity of the website author, and I hope he proves me wrong. Aloha!
LikeLike