FDR Pearl Harbor Speech

Mister vice president, mister speaker, members of the Senate of the House of Representatives, yesterday, December 7th, 1941, a date which will live in infamy. The United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval 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 magic, Japan has therefore undertaken a surprise offensive, extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. 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. With confidence in our armed forces with the unbounded determination of our people. We will gain the inevitable triumph so help us God.