Presidential Address to Congress of December 8, 1941
Franklin Delano 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 invitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

The distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During that period of time, the Japanese Government had deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements of hope for continued peace. The attack on the Hawaiian Islands [Pearl Harbor] has caused severe damage to American military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday, the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaysia. 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 begun a surprise offensive throughout the Pacific area. As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense, that always will our whole nation remember the character of the assault against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this deliberate invasion, the American people, in their honorable might, will win absolute victory.

I believe that I understand the will of the Congress and of the people when I state that we will not only defend ourselves to the utmost but will make it very certain that this form of deceit shall never again put us in danger. 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 steadfast resolve of our people, we will gain certain triumph. I ask that the Congress declare that since the senseless and shameful attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.
adapted from "Presidential Address to Congress of December 8, 1941," by Franklin Delano Roosevelt
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