A Date Living in Infamy



USS Arizona



 President Franklin D. Roosevelt: 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. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or 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, Guam, the Philippine Islands, 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. . .

70 years ago today, the Empire of Japan attacked Pearl Harbor causing the following damage:

4 Battleships sunk

3 Battleships damaged

1 Battleship grounded

2 Destroyers sunk

1 Destroyer damaged

3 Cruisers damaged

188 Aircraft destroyed

155 Aircraft damaged

2,402 men killed

1,247 wounded.  

The first picture I put on here is of the USS Arizona.  This is the most famous picture of Pearl Harbor.  Of those killed this day, nearly half of the total, (1,177), were due to the explosion of the Arizona's forward magazine after it was it hit by a modified 16 inch shell.  I'm not going to give details of the attack since this will be a short post.  I just wanted to remind you of today so that you would think about it. 

WE HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN....