A Date Which Will Live In Infamy

On December 7, 1941 the United States experienced the pre-meditated murder of innocents by the Empire of Japan. We were not at war with the Japanese. At that time there were no hostilities between our governments.

"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." - President Roosevelt

On December 8th, 1941 President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave his famous Infamy Speech. One day after the attack at Pearl Harbor President Roosevelt had this to say, “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." That statement still holds true to this day. The US has not allowed any nation to deceive us the way the Japanese did that day.

As a result of their attack the US declared war on the Empire of Japan.

Shortly after the invasion of Hawaii began, Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto is quoted as saying, "I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve."

Whether a true quote or mere theatrical fluff those words proved true. The people of the "Greatest Generation" came together in a way never seen before or since. Motor vehicle manufacturers made machine guns, Beer manufacturer’s canned water for the troops. Men, Woman and Children did their part. This nation adapted as it needed to not only to survive, but to ultimately stop the threat of the Axis powers.

Today is a day that we should all remember a date that every American should be familiar with. When someone asks the date and the response is December 7th their first thought should be of the Soldiers and Sailors who gave their lives at Pearl Harbor.

While the greatest generation will never forget the date December 7th, 1941 my generation will never forget September 11, 2001.

Our nation has suffered great loss and great victory and will surely experience both in our future. It is the resolve of that "Sleeping Giant" that makes us who we are, Americans.

Remember all who have served and cherish and support those who serve now, or will serve in the future.

SlagleRock Out!

If you want to show your support for the men and woman in uniform and serving in harms way please click the button below to see how you can support the troops.

Posted by SlagleRock at December 7, 2004 11:16 AM