FDR - Pearl Harbor Address to the Nation

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.