Yesterday was the 70th anniversary of one of the most horrific attacks on American soil. The following is the speech that the President of the United States delivered the following day (today, 70 years ago).
Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, members of the Senate and 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, that 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.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt – December 8, 1941
A very similar attack occurred on September 11, 2001. Though I would like to say that our nation responded in much the same way, I don’t think that I can. Yes, we subsequently went to war, and there were pockets of individuals that felt the call to defend our nation (such as Pat Tillman), by and large we seemed more interested in politicking than in justice, bravery and honor. I watch the 
HBO miniseries, Band of Brothers, at least once a year, and am amazed each time by the dedication these men had, not only to their nation, but to each other. Rather than pockets of bravery, there were pockets of cowardess. It was far more unusual to find a soldier that didn’t want to be at war, rather than one that was willing to die for his brothers in combat – regardless of the circumstance.
My Uncle Carl was one of those individuals. I’m sure my wife and sons get tired of hearing about him, but he was a man to be emulated. Though he missed the bombing at Pearl Harbor by two weeks – he was transferred (and after hearing about the bombing was extremely upset he wasn’t there to help defend) – he entered WWII with one thought on his mind, to protect his military family, and his country. He was a Sergeant in the Marine Corp. and prided himself on producing the most well prepared soldiers to graduate from Camp Pendleton. When his squad was pinned down by a bunker on the beaches of Normandy, himself out of ammunition, he charged into certain death with the simple thought that he needed to protect those in his charge. He ended up throwing his bayonet so hard at the German soldier that it was driven through the German’s neck and became lodged in the wooden beam at the back of the bunker. He was awarded the Silver Star as a result of his actions in Tarawa, which is in the Gilbert Islands, as well as numerous other awards, including multiple Purple Hearts.
There simply doesn’t seem to be the same level of dedication, loyalty and honor in today’s society. We don’t seem to remember things. I wonder and worry about the legacy that we’re leaving our children. When we “occupy” and destroy city parks, rather than coming alongside those less fortunate and actually tangibly helping them. It’s a most serious indictment on the state of the Church as well. Gone are the days when social services were attained through the church. Everyone now proceeds to Uncle Sam with their hands out.
I hope and pray that this generation will turn from its wicked ways and repent and turn to God. Remember the sins of our youth – which includes not giving proper honor to those deserving – those that have served without thought of compensation or reward. God’s judgment is manifest in our own sinful desires and pursuits.
Love one another.
A greater gift has no man than this, that he lay his life down for a friend.
