[ARCHIVED THREAD] - DECEMBER 7, 1941 (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 12/6/2009 7:55:22 PM EDT
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Lest We Forget.
FDR Speech 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. 
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Never got to Pearl while I was in. I really need to go. http://www.theodoresworld.net/pics/1208/communicationImage3.jpg http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/images/g30000/g32640.jpg http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/images/g10000/g19941.jpg ETA: Hanging on my office wall: http://img2.allposters.com/images/BUYPOD/0-587-07732-8.jpg |
MY BIRTHDAY
but i am surprised at the amount of people who dont know about pearl harbor day. since i was about six i used my birthday to educate people about it... kinda sad bc its adults too. but it just makes me wonder how many people will forget about 9-11, even though many act as though it never happened already 
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| Interesting story: both of my grandfathers worked at Wheeler on 12/7/41...well they worked there until the war ended...but they worked on the same army air force base and knew eachother and when the war ended went their seperate ways. When my parents met in 1972 they never knew that their dads knew eachother. alot of brave young men saw history unfolding that day |
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Payback http://i377.photobucket.com/albums/oo220/TheYellowThing_bucket/20060928125624Army_B-25_Doolittle_R.jpg Give 'em hell Doolittle! |
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who has b-day today. when i was on DD-977 from 94-98 every year i would be asked why the flag is at half mast. my normal smart ass answer its for my b-day. you would be surprised how many people in the Navy dont even know what today is. My cousin was born today in 1986. |
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My grandfather has his name on this wall. 
I reenlisted there on Dec 7th, it was very moving to be on the memorial and to read the names |
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My grandfather has his name on this wall. I reenlisted there on Dec 7th, it was very moving to be on the memorial and to read the names If I remember correctly: There are 23 sets of brothers names on that wall and there are 2 father-son pairs.
And Thank You Mr_Harry for your service to our country. |
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When I was growing up, my next door niehbor Joe Wilson, was a Pearl harbor surviver. He told a story of shooting at the jap planes with his .45 cuz its all he had. I still have a jewelry box he made me. He was a good guy. Somewhere I have a picture of me standing next to him when I was about 5. |
Dorie Miller, Mess Attendant Second Class, USN (1919-1943) Just after being presented with the Navy Cross by Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, on board USS Enterprise (CV-6) at Pearl Harbor, 27 May 1942. The medal was awarded for heroism on board USS West Virginia (BB-48) during the Pearl Harbor Attack, 7 December 1941. |
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Quoted: http://vegankid.solidaritydesign.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/miller_dorie.jpg Dorie Miller, Mess Attendant Second Class, USN (1919-1943) Just after being presented with the Navy Cross by Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, on board USS Enterprise (CV-6) at Pearl Harbor, 27 May 1942. The medal was awarded for heroism on board USS West Virginia (BB-48) during the Pearl Harbor Attack, 7 December 1941. there is one hell of a Sailor |
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I was at the bank today signing some paperwork. When I went to put the date next to my name, I said "Pearl Harbor Day" (as I wrote in 7 Dec 09).
The young bank teller (mid to late 20's) said "what's that?" 
I said "December 7th, Peral Harbor Day". He had no idea what I was talking about. I explained that today, December 7th in 1941, the japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. The look on his face ––>  "ohhh".
What the hell is wrong with people?
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Quoted:
I was at the bank today signing some paperwork. When I went to put the date next to my name, I said "Pearl Harbor Day" (as I wrote in 7 Dec 09). The young bank teller (mid to late 20's) said "what's that?"
I said "December 7th, Peral Harbor Day". He had no idea what I was talking about. I explained that today, December 7th in 1941, the japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. The look on his face ––> "ohhh".
What the hell is wrong with people? It saddens me but encourages me to work harder so that the memory and sacrifices of those attacked at Pearl Harbor and who fought the Japanese throughout WWII are never forgotten. 
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Quoted:
I was at the bank today signing some paperwork. When I went to put the date next to my name, I said "Pearl Harbor Day" (as I wrote in 7 Dec 09). The young bank teller (mid to late 20's) said "what's that?"
I said "December 7th, Peral Harbor Day". He had no idea what I was talking about. I explained that today, December 7th in 1941, the japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. The look on his face ––> "ohhh".
What the hell is wrong with people? This is part of the reason the country is in such a bind, Stupid people like that, Never learned anything in school apparently. Hell, i knew what Dec 7th meant before i was in school! Sort of heart breaking to think, So many Men and Women died for this country, and there are so many clueless fools out there that have no idea. I had a neighbor that was a WWII And a Korean war vet! He was a POW in WWII. He was the most ornery ole fart, But i showed him nothing but respect. I think he really disliked me, but i would shovel his walkway when it snowed and help him as best as i could, because he deserved that respect and it was the least i could give him! |
Mega fail on my part. 