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Mr. Vice President, and Mr. Speaker, and Members of the Senate
and 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.
But
always will our whole Nation 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 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.
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, 1941, a state of war has existed between the
United
States and the Japanese Empire.
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These words were spoken
to the congress and to the whole world on the 8th day of
December 1941, by the President of the United
States,? Franklin D. Roosevelt.? I? remember that date very
well.
I would like for you to
go back and take a look at four words toward the end. Four
simple words. One of those words we seem to be not able to
say in public anymore for fear someone will get a bit up
set.
"SO HELP US GOD.'?
Those are the words. I guess it is all right to say, so help
us, just leave God out of it. Seem to me that is the
problem.? ? People for some reason don't understand this
nation was founded so people could have four freedoms.? One
is about religion.? God was part of the make up of this
nation.? You may under our form of government go or not go
to any type of any kind of church you like.? But for some
reason all at once is wrong to say "GOD."? We are now
changing history to make a few happy, what the Sam Hill
about the rest of us?
I was told that on the
World War Two monument In Washington.? Roosevelt's speech? is
on there. All but the words "So Help Us God."? Now to me,
that is wrong.? He was asking for God's help, he was begging
for it, we needed it. Our way of life was real close to
taking a sharp turn.? We were real close to every thing west
of the Mississippi River stepping to the tune of Japan and
every thing east to the tune of Hitler.? ? The President asked
for GOD'S help. So what and why were those four very
important words left off?? ? I can tell you why,? some few
don't like the word God. Seems to me this is like the tail
wagging the dog.? I have heard the ???someone??™s??? that say the
use of that word is wrong, I have heard the ???someone??™s??? take
God's name in vain. Must be a difference.
I have noticed a lot of
signs that have the words. "Pray" for something.? May I ask,
who should we pray to if it not be God?
We find ourselves in
another mess.? I wonder if the President shouldn't say four
words.. "So Help Us GOD."? You know maybe that is it.? "So
Help Us God."? That is a prayer.? That must be what has a
few upset.?
?© 2004 Bill Walker
wildbill6807@yahoo.com |
