LAD#34

Pearl Harbor Address to the Nation

Franklin Delano Roosevelt

December 8, 1941

Yesterday the United States was suddenly attacked by Japan.  We were at peace with Japan, and were still in conversation with its government looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

It is clear that Japan has deliberately sought to deceive us by false statements of hope for continued peace.  The attack caused severe damage and very many American lives were lost.  American ships were also torpedoed on the high seas.

Japan also attacked Hong Kong, Guam, the Philippine Islands, Wake Island, and Midway Island.

As Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.

No matter how long it may take us, we will win through to absolute victory.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.

Photo#2: The American entry into the Iraqi war was also for the defense of America. The reason given was the search for supposed "weapons of mass destruction".