68 Years and we seem to have forgotten this.

I am going to abandon the financial news of the day as this is a special day in our history.  I watched the morning news and this didn't make the radar and it should.  Perhaps we are now war weary and embattled on so many fronts but it is important and the plain elegance of Roosevelt's address to congress the next day is memorable in that we have certainly regessed from his rallying cry. Again perhaps because we grow sick of wars and wars without declaration now fought almost precisely half a world away in a foresaken country, endless in its prospects and for the most part so out of sight and out of mind of many of us.

Roosevelt said (the next day):

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 Japanese forces 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 unbounded 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, 7 December, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.