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December 7th, 1941


Grade of D as in David

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“Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives:
Yesterday, December 7th, 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. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of 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 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, the Japanese 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.
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 that 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 it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.
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 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.”uss-arizona-memorial-pearl-harbor-oahu-h

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4 minutes ago, Trey3216 said:

When they complete the Memorial in Waco, it's gonna be pretty awesome.  It will be a representation of the bow of a battleship complete with his statue.  I took this picture last Dec 7th

 

Doris-Miller.jpg

So at least one good thing came from Waco.  

 

Edited by Uncle Nate
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1 hour ago, Sandman said:

Today is my grandma's birthday. She would've been 93. I used to call her every year to tell her happy birthday. Dad told me how much she loved it when I called her.  Happy birthday, Grandma. /csb

 

My mom will be 93 next month, I can get you her number!

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The original 82 min version of the film December 7th by John Ford is playing on TCM now. The original was more educational and critical of mistakes made by the Navy. They made Ford completely remake the film and cut nearly an hour out of it.

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Doris Miller was a hero.  It's a shame that he didn't get the credit he deserved because he was African American.  

They are currently raisng funds to complete a memorial to this man.  Long overdue.  

If your interested in checking it out or donating heres a link.

https://dorismillermemorial.org

Heres a good podcast that gives a pretty unbiased view of the man.  

https://www.wacohistorypodcast.com/doris-miller/

 

I drove by the memorial yesterday and it's starting to come together.  It will be a fitting tribute to his service

5c0b111044ec2.image.jpg?resize=1200,911

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Hawaii is the only state I haven't been to. The Arizona Memorial is near the top of my bucket list. My Dad lied about his age and signed up for the Coast Guard right after Pearl Harbor. He fought all across the Pacific as an LCVP coxswain on an LST. 

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