FDR's 'Day of Infamy' Speech

America's forces at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii were attacked by a swarm of Japanese aircraft on the morning of December 7, 1941. The next day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke to Congress and requested a declaration of war. Below is the text of that speech:

Mr. Vice President, and Mr. Speaker, and Members of the Senate and House of Representatives:

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. 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 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.

Source: FDR Library

Post WWI Belgium Honors American War Dead

On November 11, 1918, the guns of World War I fell silent, but the work for some was just beginning – the work of bringing home the bodies of America’s fallen.

Edward J. Bayon was one man doing that work. Bayon reported in a short memoir that in April of 1921, he was assigned by the Graves Registration Service to escort a convoy of three barges from Porte Moselle, France to Antwerp, Belgium. The barges were carrying 952 caskets bearing the bodies of America’s war dead.

On April 22 at Riviere, Belgium, Bayon and the barge crews were met by the “whole town,” including the mayor and other dignitaries carrying flags and flowers. The grateful Belgians placed wreaths on the barges and spread the word to the towns ahead that the fallen Yanks were coming. Two days later, on the approach to Liege, Belgium, Bayon said that “crowds were beginning to line the banks.” The convoy stopped at Liege and received a reception that must have moved more than one man on the convoy to tears.

On entering Liege a salute of cannons was fired and a cavalry regiment met us and escorted us on both sides of the canal into the city. Bugles sounded the Belgium taps as thousands of people lined the banks and bridges over the canal. At the last lock, before the center of town was reached, a Military band boarded the first barge and played dirges soft & low. Everyone was uncovered and many women were kneeling praying and weeping…

The barges were then literally covered with beautiful wreaths and flowers. The band then played the American and Belgium anthems as we proceeded to the next lock with the cavalry still accompanying us. At this lock a repetition of the reception occurred with school children, boys dressed in blue and girls in white lined along the banks with flags.

Six days after the honors were bestowed on the American war dead passing through Liege, the convoy arrived at Antwerp. Bayon then turned the 952 fallen heroes over to the next guardian on their slow, long-awaited, and much deserved trip home.

Happy Veteran’s Day, and again, thanks to all those that have done their duty in defense of this Great Country.

To read Edward J. Bayon’s full account of his journey, please visit this link at the Veterans History Project.

Resolution Creating the United States Marines - Nov 10, 1775

On Friday, November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress passed a resolution creating the United States Marine Corps. This from the Journals of the Continental Congress…

Resolved, That two Battalions of marines be raised, consisting of one Colonel, two Lieutenant Colonels, two Majors, and other officers as usual in other regiments; and that they consist of an equal number of privates with other battalions; that particular care be taken, that no persons be appointed to office, or insisted into said battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve to advantage by sea when required: that they be insisted and commissioned to serve for and during the present war between Great Britain and the colonies, unless dismissed by order of Congress: that they be distinguished by the names of the first and second battalions of American Marines, and that they be considered as part of the number which the continental Army before Boston is ordered to consist of.

Happy Birthday to the USMC and a big thanks to all the men and women who’ve worn the uniform.

Here are a few Marine Corps links I found…

4 Generations of the United States Marine Corps - A tribute page

Marine Corps Legacy Museum - I especially liked the "gallery."

History of the Marine Corps Hymn - from the White Plains Marine Corps League

On Patton and Hinduism

As well as being Veteran’s Day, tomorrow (November 11) is also the birthday of George S. Patton, Jr. – “Old Blood and Guts.”

I happened to teach a lesson on Hinduism at school today, and it reminded me of Patton, even before I realized it was the eve of his birthday.

A core belief of Hinduism is, of course, reincarnation. Patton was also a big believer in reincarnation. He thought he had fought previously (in past lives)at many of the places he visited during his World War II campaigns.

Another core belief of Hinduism, and an adjunct to reincarnation, is the idea of “keep doing it until you get it right.” My understanding is that Hindus believe that people are born over and over again until they live the perfect life and can reunite with Brahman, the creator.

Assume for a moment, forgive me, that Patton actually was Hannibal in a previous life. And assume that reincarnation exists. It makes sense. They both had tragic flaws.

Hannibal was bent on avenging his father Hamilcar’s failures against the Romans in the First Punic War. His flaw made him lead his men on a wild, ill-fated invasion of Italy from Spain. Ultimately, he died basically in disgrace, never having fulfilled what he deemed as his destiny.

Similarly, Patton had a tragic flaw. Better make it many tragic flaws. He was hot-tempered, rebelled against authority, was unforgiving, and intolerant too, even for the time in which he lived.

Both were also military geniuses, and Patton, at least, was driven to succeed like few others.
I’m not sure what all this really means. Perhaps it means that, like it or not, we’re doomed to repeat our mistakes (whether we know our history or not). Or, perhaps it really means we do have a chance to make up for our mistakes, even if we do repeat them a few times on the way.
After all, Patton did help save the world from Nazism, even if he was an old coot. He did inspire his men to do things that those under the command of others might not. He was an American hero, flaws and all.

So, I guess the ultimate question is who is Patton now? And who was I before? Aw...maybe some other time.