Day of Infamy Speech

President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s speech or address to the United States Congress on December 8^th, 1941 after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor has become known as the Day of Infamy Speech. Delivered at 12:30 PM EST on December 8^th to a Joint Session of the U.S. Congress, the President’s speech was a precursor to the formal congressional declaration of war against Japan within an hour of the speech. The address to the Congress is still considered one of the most famous American speeches made during the 20^th century. Franklin Roosevelt would go on to lead the United States through the next several years of the war.

Day of Infamy Speech Text

Yesterday, Dec. 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 the government and its emperor looking toward the

maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleagues 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 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, Dec. 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.

 

Day of Infamy Speech Video

Day of Infamy Speech References

Freidel, Frank (1990). Franklin D. Roosevelt: A Rendezvous with Destiny. Boston: Little, Brown and Company. ISBN 0-316-29260-5.

Pearl Harbor Facts, WorldWar2Facts.org, Last Viewed 28 November 2013.

University of Oklahoma Transcription of Speech, Last Viewed 28 November 2013.

U.S. National Archives Lesson on the Day of Infamy Speech, Last Viewed 28 November 2013.