Sadly, I’ll be on an airplane this evening and unable to do my yearly partial viewing of the execrable Pearl Harbor. Nor will I have the opportunity to wander through the National Cemetery and pause, wondering, at the stones with December 7, 1941 carved on the bottom.
But, as always, I remember this day of infamy. And I remember President Roosevelt’s stirring words, as applicable in our ongoing war as they were in December of 1941.
As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.
Always will be remembered 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 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.
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.