I think to properly understand the complex relationship with the Americans and the Japanese in modern times, we have to revisit the President of the United State's speech after what happened 70 years ago tomorrow:
To the Congress of the United States:
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 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.
1 comment:
Franklin Roosevelt, held in the hearts of many Americans as a true father figure in the years preceding Peril Harbor, came to this extraordinary session of Congress at a moment when the entire nation collectively held its breath. No one knew what would happen next; would we be invaded, would we see enemy bombers in our skies, would we be consumed by a barbaric enemy? It was a dark time of uncertainty, and anxiety reigned.
To listen to his words, the dramatic delivery, the overwhelmingly unanimous, enthusiastic response of the senators and representatives present, is to understand that this 7-1/2 minute speech was a transformational moment for an entire nation. We were truly galvanized as people to face the darkness together, with confidence and determination.
I would urge your readers to go to the link below to listen for themselves:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0PW1Jhuu2Q
Franklin Roosevelt had a gift for speaking to the soul of the American People. Lest you should think that we were transformed into mindless barbarians by the years of bitter fighting which followed, I would urge that you then go to this link to hear his national address on the evening of the Normandy invasion, 2-1/2 years into the world nightmare:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-weBUzQleo
“Men's souls will be shaken with the violences of war, for these men are lately drawn from the ways of peace. They fight not for the lust of conquest...”
As a nation, we were not the agressors. FDR knew what was in the hearts and minds of Americans.
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