Pearl Harbor Day

"Yesterday, December 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy..." Thus, began President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s message to Congress on December 8, 1941, the day following the surprise attack by the Empire of Japan on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, HI and Japan’s declaration of war on the United States and the British Empire. Within an hour of the speech, the U.S. Congress passed a formal declaration of war against the Japanese to officially bring the U.S. into World War II. Because the attack happened without explicit warning and without a declaration of war, the attack on Pearl Harbor was later judged to be a war crime.

The attack on Pearl Harbor began at 7:48 AM by 353 Japanese aircraft launched form six aircraft carriers. All eight U.S. Navy battleships were damaged. Four battleships were sunk. The USS Arizona, in particular, was hit by four armor-piercing bombs, exploded, and was a total loss with 1,177 crew members killed. Numerous other ships were either sunk or damaged. 188 U.S. aircraft were destroyed, more than 2,400 Americans were killed, and almost 1,200 others wounded. The Japanese lost 29 aircraft, five midget submarines, and 64 servicemen. One Japanese sailor was captured.

Several days later, on December 11, Germany and Italy declared war on the United State and the U.S. responded with declarations of war on Germany and Italy.

The full text of President Roosevelt’s speech follows:

To the Congress of the United States

Yesterday, Dec. 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 the 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 colleagues 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 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. 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.

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 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, Dec. 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.

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