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12/07/2006: "So Different ... So Similar ..."

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.

With those words, President Franklin Roosevelt began his famous speech to Congress to request a declaration of war. Still reeling from the shock and tragedy of the surprise attack on the military forces at Pearl Harbor in the Hawaiian Islands Territory, America rose up against an evil empire with the declared intent of destroying all the country stood for. It was a long hard fight whose outcome was often in question. But we perservered, survived and ultimately prospered.

Since 9-11-1, we have been at war once again with another evil group of individuals whose intentions are to destroy our way of life. The enemy is harder to find and the battle lines far less clear, but the threat is no less severe.

We find ourselves at a crossroads now, questioning the decisions, policies and plans of our government as we prosecute the War on Terror. To question the government, to hold them accountable for their decisions, is the absolute right of every citizen - some would call it an obligation. But no one should lose sight of who is fighting whom now. It's not the people versus the government, or Pelosi versus Bush - those are just skirmishes. No, it's America versus the terrorists, and if we ever let the lesser squabbles distract us from the big picture, we all lose.

On this 65th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, read the rest of the Roosevelt Speech and feel the resolve. They were scared, they were worried, they were confused - but they were united. No matter what our political differences, we share a larger common heritage and common goals - and those common traits are never more important than at a time of war.

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 Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to the 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. 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.

Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam.

Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.

Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island.

This morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday 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.

Always will we remember 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.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.