A Date Which Will Live in Infamy

Washington, D.C. – In a momentous address to a joint session of Congress, President Franklin D. Roosevelt yesterday declared December 7, 1941, “a date which will live in infamy,” following the surprise attack by the Japanese on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor. The President, addressing the nation and its representatives, called for a formal declaration of war against Japan, marking a pivotal turn for the United States in World War II.

In a speech that lasted less than ten minutes, President Roosevelt recounted the events of the previous day, detailing the extensive damage inflicted on American naval and military forces in Hawaii. “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,” said the President, underscoring the treacherous nature of the attack.

The President’s call for action was met with resounding support, as members of Congress stood in unison, signaling their agreement. The gravity of the situation was palpable, with Roosevelt stating, “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.”

The speech, broadcast across the nation, has galvanized the American public, with citizens across the country expressing their support for the President’s decisive stance. Rallies and gatherings were seen in cities and towns, as people came together to show their solidarity in the face of this unprecedented attack.

Historians note that Roosevelt’s address marks a significant shift in American foreign policy, propelling the United States into a global conflict that it had sought to avoid. The President’s eloquence and firm tone have been praised, setting the stage for what is expected to be a unanimous vote for war by Congress.

In concluding his address, President Roosevelt affirmed, “With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph, so help us God.” The nation now stands on the brink of war, united under the leadership of President Roosevelt, ready to face the challenges that lie ahead in the fight for freedom and democracy.