Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives. 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. And, while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of 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. 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 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, that always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us. (applause) 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. (applause) I believe that 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 it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us. (applause) 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 un-bounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph, so help us God. (applause) I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire. (applause) Ladies and Gentlemen: The national anthem. (National Anthem Plays)
(GM to the World)
Whether it be your mom, girlfriend, wife, child, boyfriend or husband. There will be some kind of activity or outside force to draw you near a radio. You listen to the radio as it comes on, eagerly waiting for the President to make his appearance. Shortly after a time, the President of the United States voice emerges. He begins his 'Day of Infamy Speech'.
Feel free to post anything before the radio comes on, leading up to the actual event!
Just another day of training. CPT Levi Ross scratched his head as some tanks rolled by. Soldiers were marching, doing physical training. Everything was a little more intensified though. People were much more focused. The incident at Pearl Harbor yesterday put the Americans on edge, a new level of will and determination. They were no longer eluding the war they had hoped to avoid. People like CPT Ross had been ready for a fight since the Germans had invaded France. It was only a matter of time before the United States joined the rest of the world in war. England had been struggling to keep air control from Germany.
His thoughts were broken up, "Sir!" The master sergeant saluted him briefly, "The Major needs you to report to him as soon as possible." CPT Ross hopped down from the ledge he was sitting on, saluting back, "Okay. I'll be on my way." He looked around for a second, finding a sergeant. "Hey find me some transport so I can make way to the Major's office." The sergeant saluted and ran from distance. After a few minutes he came back into view with a Willys MB. CPT Ross jogged to meet him and hopped inside the vehicle. The sergeant started driving. Every so often he'd glance over at the captain, finally asking, "Sir, If you don't mind my asking, why are you heading over to the Major's office?" CPT Ross looked over to the driving sergeant, "I'm not quite sure myself." He paused for a moment looking outside his side of the vehicle, "It seemed pretty urgent though." He trailed off as he looked out the window at the passing scenery.
About 5 minutes later they approached the building that the major was stationed in. "Stay here till I come back." CPT Ross told the sergeant as he got out of the vehicle. "Yes sir!" CPT Ross headed inside the building. The major worked in a communications building. He most likely got some orders from the commanding officers. Walking up the stairs he passed some lieutenants, people just going about their daily business. Eventually the captain reached the Majors door. He knocked alerting the major that he was here. The major glanced up and motioned him inside. He stood up and walked over to the radio, turning it on. "There's going to be a presidential broadcast within the next few minutes. Afterwards I have pending orders for you." The captain nodded his head acknowledging him. There was some static as the major found the station. Shortly afterwards, the president's voice emerged.
Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives. 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. And, while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of 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. 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 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, that always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us. (applause) 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. (applause) I believe that 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 it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us. (applause) 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 un-bounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph, so help us God. (applause) I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire. (applause) Ladies and Gentlemen: The national anthem. (National Anthem Plays)
As the president finished up his speech, the major turned off the radio and returned back to his chair. "The United States is gearing up for war." He paused for a moment, "You're to be sent to Hawaii. They are preparing an invasion of the Pacific. You're going to be in command of a company, headstrong in the invasion." The major finished up what he was saying and pulled out some papers, probably more orders for other people. "I assume I don't have any say in this matter sir?" CPT Ross joked. The major peeked his eyes up, "No. God speed to you son, I hope you the best." He paused for a moment, looking down at his papers. "You're dismissed." CPT Ross executed a quick salute, "Yes sir." He headed toward the doorway and left the building.
