"December 7th, 1941, A Day Which Will Live In Infamy"

[bejohnson]

Pearl Harbor commemorations set across the U.S.
Associated Press
Published December 7, 2003


Starting at dawn in New York and ending at dusk in Hawaii, candlelight ceremonies Sunday will commemorate the 62nd anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor by Japan.

Hundreds are expected to gather at the USS Arizona National Memorial -- the site near the sunken battleship which lost almost 1,200 crew members. Most of the dead are entombed inside.

In Washington D.C., the naval commandant will host a wreath-laying ceremony at the base of the Lone Sailor Statue at the U.S. Navy Memorial.

Almost 2,400 people died in that attack on Dec. 7, 1941. The surprise attack by Japan launched the U.S. into World War II.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Pearl Harbor Speech

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.

Here are a couple of links for those of you interested in the history of the attack.


DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY - - NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER (http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/events/wwii-pac/pearlhbr/pearlhbr.htm)

NATIONALAL GEOGRAPHIC (http://plasma.nationalgeographic.com/pearlharbor/)


The U.S.S. Arizona Memorial

[Silent_Death911]

they should have never bombed pearl harbor.

actions have consequences.

they ended up having their asses beat to the ground with those nuclear bombs............


anywho.........i salute all the veterans of that attack and the families of those lost in that horrible day.

[Hyprium]

Only in America!:smokin

[bejohnson]

Brandi and I are heading to the Marietta National Cemetery (http://www.mariettasquare.com/national_cemetery.html) to pay our respects to some friends and relatives of not only World War II but Korea, Vietnam, and both Gulf wars.

We ask that each of you remember not only the U.S. men and women that have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country but the men and women of all nations that have done the same.

Remember also the men and women of all nations that are serving today, all over the world, trying to make this planet of ours just a little safer to live in and to protect the freedoms that we have become so complacent in enjoying.

[JCYC5]

-Moment of silence please-

[Hyprium]

I wish the American goverment could realise that War is not the best solution , my god they even let people have weapons in there house`s, my god Iam glad i live in a country that see`s better soulutions to end war,Iam not saying that inocent people have them self`s to blame but I dont think war should be a solution to end world problems

[JCYC5]

Originally posted by Hyprium
I wish the American goverment could realise that War is not the best solution , my god they even let people have weapons in there house`s, my go Iam glad i live in a country that see`s better soulutions to end war,Iam not saying that inocent people have them self`s to blame but I dont think war should be a solution to end world problems

Out of intrest, where do you live?

[Hyprium]

Sweden:banana

[bejohnson]

Originally posted by Hyprium
I wish the American goverment could realise that War is not the best solution , my god they even let people have weapons in there house`s, my god Iam glad i live in a country that see`s better soulutions to end war,Iam not saying that inocent people have them self`s to blame but I dont think war should be a solution to end world problems

FDR was quoted as saying "I've seen war, I hate war". Even he realized that a just war was necessary. You should study the history of your nation and your neighbors Norway and Finland during the period of WWII. Even they knew they had to fight for their freedom. Even in Sweden the sacrifices of many members of various nations armed forces guaranteed your country's freedoms.

As far as the weapons in the U.S., Those rights that allow the citizens of this country to possess firearms are in our Constitution. The government of the U.S. only has the power that is granted by the citizens of this country. Our government does not give our rights to us; they are God given rights. Many of our young men and women have fought to guarantee and protect those rights.

[Hyprium]

Yea maby Finland and norwayand Denmark has fought wars with eachother, but they have growed up and I cant say that Americans have! The American`s should take care off their own problems before trying to take on the world`s problems, And by the way we swede`s dont kill eachothers with weapons everyday like the americans do!

[bejohnson]

Originally posted by Hyprium
Yea maby Finland and norwayand Denmark has fought wars with eachother, but they have growed up and I cant say that Americans have! The American`s should take care off their own problems before trying to take on the world`s problems, And by the way we swede`s dont kill eachothers with weapons everyday like the americans do!

Sweden has a long history of being neutral in world conflicts but because Sweden is officially neutral doesn't mean that the Swedish people are neutral.

During the "Winter War of 1939-40" approximately 8,800 Swedish men volunteered to serve in the Finnish military against the Soviet Union. 33 Swedes were KIA, 200 WIA.

If your neutrality, your freedoms or your way of life is threatened you will fight.

BTW do you think that the U.S. likes to be the world's police force? Every time something happens the world always ask what is the U.S. going to do about this? If we had stuck our hands in our pockets during WWII the world would be totally different now as Europe would be a Fascist state.

[Hyprium]

Give it a break man, dont take it so personall:beer
I just gave you some fact`s! let``s call it off man before we start our own war here:kiss

[thephenom]

Originally posted by bejohnson
BTW do you think that the U.S. likes to be the world's police force? Every time something happens the world always ask what is the U.S. going to do about this? If we had stuck our hands in our pockets during WWII the world would be totally different now as Europe would be a Fascist state.
Indeed, if the Japanese didn't bomb Pearl Harbour, it could of been a whole different ending. The Germans would of probably taken over English, and pretty much the whole Europe. Who knows, if they did, perhaps today we'd be talking German instead of English. As a Chinese, I feel offended by the Japanese's actions during the WWII, they pretty much stomped over China, slaughtering civilians everywhere. The worst of all, till today, they don't admit of committing such crime, and such history aren't even taught to students growing up.

But anyways.

Here's a moment of silence to remember all those who died because of war.

*silence*

[bejohnson]

Here is a poster from 1942 that reflects the mood and attitude of the country at that time.

[tpenguin]

Originally posted by Hyprium
Yea maby Finland and norwayand Denmark has fought wars with eachother, but they have growed up and I cant say that Americans have! The American`s should take care off their own problems before trying to take on the world`s problems, And by the way we swede`s dont kill eachothers with weapons everyday like the americans do!

Either that is a gross generalization, or I was unaware that Sweden is the only country in the world where there are no murders. Guns are not the only weapons in the world. Certainly, even in Sweden it is legal to own knives. Something does not have to be inteded to be a weapon to be deadly. You could kill a person with a hammer, a screwdriver, a table lamp, or even dental floss just as easily as with a gun. Comparing any neutral country to any non-neutral one is ridiculous to begin with. Of course Sweden is not involved in wars. That's the definition of neutrality. The US is a country that has learned from its mistakes. We attempted to remain neutral during the first and second world wars only to have such events as the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the Sinking of the Lucitania take many American lives. In our modern world, war affects all people in all countries. Even neutral countries have economic and political consequences as a result of war. Isolationism is no longer possible. What happens in one place in the world will affect the rest of it. There is a fine line between neutrality and pacifism, and we cannot take a stance of "every one else will be nice to us if we're nice to them" and ensure our freedom and safety. There will always be those who seek to harm others for their own gain, and we are not going to prevent that by simply "minding our own business." You are welcome to think otherwise, but I don't believe that Adolf Hitler ever even bothered to think of what crimes or acts of aggression the Jews may have committed before murdering more than 11,000,000 of them. He merely did it out of hatred and to further his political agenda. When we look away from such hatred, horrible things inevitably happen.

[Hyprium]

Maby you dident get me clear enough, I dident say swede`s couldent fight and kill, I simply ment that the swedish goverment doesent alow us swede`s to own our own little gun, I gues the americans must feel unsafe everywhere they go,who can blame them with a goverment like that! and first of war will never stop war,
You mean to say that if my little kid comes home from school and tells me some guy in school has kicked him in the head for example that I should encurage him to go do the same, think not
I fell sorry for Americans
:Crying

[tpenguin]

Originally posted by Hyprium
Maby you dident get me clear enough, I dident say swede`s couldent fight and kill, I simply ment that the swedish goverment doesent alow us swede`s to own our own little gun, I gues the americans must feel unsafe everywhere they go,who can blame them with a goverment like that! and first of war will never stop war,
You mean to say that if my little kid comes home from school and tells me some guy in school has kicked him in the head for example that I should encurage him to go do the same, think not
I fell sorry for Americans
:Crying

I wasn't implying that you could not or would not fight, but that your statement that Swedes do not kill eachother as Americans do is false. But just as not all Swedes are violent, neither are all Americans. Also the possesion of a firearm does not mean that you intend to use it on a person. Many people collect guns and target-shoot as a hobby. It's no different from archery, except for the equipment involved. Some people also enjoy hunting. Very few crimes are commited with people who just collect guns or have them to protect themselves. Primarily, violent crimes involving firearms are commited using illegally-obtained or stolen weapons.

In response to your second point, war is sometimes the only way to stop war. When Hitler's armies invaded Poland, Belgium, and France, I doubt quite seriously that he could have been stopped through diplomacy or by appeasement. He also would not have stopped just with the conquering of those three Countries, but without opposition, he would indeed have ruled the world just as he set out to do.

[bejohnson]

Originally posted by tpenguin
I wasn't implying that you could not or would not fight, but that your statement that Swedes do not kill eachother as Americans do is false. But just as not all Swedes are violent, neither are all Americans. Also the possesion of a firearm does not mean that you intend to use it on a person. Many people collect guns and target-shoot as a hobby. It's no different from archery, except for the equipment involved. Some people also enjoy hunting. Very few crimes are commited with people who just collect guns or have them to protect themselves. Primarily, violent crimes involving firearms are commited using illegally-obtained or stolen weapons.

In response to your second point, war is sometimes the only way to stop war. When Hitler's armies invaded Poland, Belgium, and France, I doubt quite seriously that he could have been stopped through diplomacy or by appeasement. He also would not have stopped just with the conquering of those three Countries, but without opposition, he would indeed have ruled the world just as he set out to do.

Appeasement of Hitler was tried through the work of Neville Chamberland and all it did was delay the inevitable. It also is estimated that as many as 8 million additional lives was lost due to the appeasement efforts before the beginning of WWII.

The war in Iraq today is proof that diplomancy works only if both sides wish peace. The UN was a miserable failure in the Iraqi situation.

[Hyprium]

I accept your oppinion if you accept mine,and I dident say that every american is violent, and niether did I say that every swede is none violent, I am simply saying by alowing civil people to carry weapons you are encurage civelised people to take actions in to their own hands, witch will result in more violence and war between people, anyway let`s put this subject to an end here as we are not coming anywhere, I accept your oppinion on this :kiss

[bejohnson]

Originally posted by Hyprium
I accept your oppinion if you accept mine,and I dident say that every american is violent, and niether did I say that every swede is none violent, I am simply saying by alowing civil people to carry weapons you are encurage civelised people to take actions in to their own hands, witch will result in more violence and war between people, anyway let`s put this subject to an end here as we are not coming anywhere, I accept your oppinion on this :kiss

One last thing to help you understand our form of government; we are a nation of independent people that do not wish the government to treat us as children and control everything about our lives from birth to the grave. This is the reason our Constitution grants only limited power to our government. Our Supreme Court has ruled on several occasions that it is not the job of the police to protect the citizens of this country. The police are to enforce the laws. The job of protecting each citizen falls to that person. Each person is ultimately responsible for his or her own protection.

Our right to keep and bear arms is the second amendment to our constitution. This is one of the major differences that makes the U.S. different from other countries. Here if you obey the law you may own a weapon(s) for any use that you please. The fact that you own a gun is not illegal. Use that gun in a crime and you will be punished.

[thephenom]

Originally posted by Hyprium
I accept your oppinion if you accept mine,and I dident say that every american is violent, and niether did I say that every swede is none violent, I am simply saying by alowing civil people to carry weapons you are encurage civelised people to take actions in to their own hands, witch will result in more violence and war between people, anyway let`s put this subject to an end here as we are not coming anywhere, I accept your oppinion on this :kiss
You make it sound like they carry a loaded weapon in their holster while going to shopping mall......
Even in Canada, we are allowed to have firearms given you have earned you firearm licenses and as long as the guns are unloaded and locked up in a safe cabinet. And these firearms are mainly for hunting purposes.

[Hyprium]

Iam not saying the americans are like Cowboys, I am simply saying that by alowing almost every civelised people to own a gun doesent set a good example for the younger generations to come! here is sweden we have less crimes, you guys seems to think that if you dident have the rights to a own gun you would have more killing and crimes,:Yea right I rest my case

[ch0g0nda]

Originally posted by Hyprium
Iam not saying the americans are like Cowboys, I am simply saying that by alowing almost every civelised people to own a gun doesent set a good example for the younger generations to come! here is sweden we have less crimes, you guys seems to think that if you dident have the rights to a own gun you would have more killing and crimes,:Yea right I rest my case I've read this thread from top to bottem and I still don't know what point your trying to get across.

What. You think that American's should have their right to bear arms removed simply because a gun has the ability to kill a person?

Ok then. While we're at it we must remove pens, knives, branches from trees, boots, bowling balls, floss, toothpicks, siscorys, any large equipment.

I'm sorry but your point has almost no validity. You say "civilized" people with guns will shoot at each other. Well I'm sorry but civic people don't pull guns and start a revival of the wild west.

You think Sweeden is so damn peaceful because citizens aren't allowed to carry guns? Well perhaps let's chop down the population of the U.S. to match that of your contry. Now let's see how many murders (with guns) the U.S. has compared to Sweeden.

Sorry but you just keep saying that Sweedes don't have the ability to kill each other. That and they don't want to.

Well we're all human and as such are all prone to the same violent urges that cause such things as murder and assault.

[Hyprium]

Ooh just go ahead and overdo everything ive sayd!:Yea right
If you dident get what i whas aiming at then how can you judge it?
dident think so, Ive had my saying, and dont even go there!

[bejohnson]

Ok guys, including me, this is a thread to remember and honor the memory of the victims of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Let's get back on subject. We have had many countrymen and allies die protecting not only our rights and freedoms but the world's in general. Let's not lose sight of the reason that we remember today as the day that brought the United States fully into the Second World War. Today is the anniversary of a day that changed the course of history.

[Hyprium]

Originally posted by bejohnson
Ok guys, including me, this is a thread to remember and honor the memory of the victims of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Let's get back on subject. We have had many countrymen and allies die to protect not only our rights and freedoms but the world's in general. Let's not lose sight of the reason that we remember today as the day that brought the United States fully into the Second World War. Today is the anniversary of a day that changed the course of history.

Your right !:Beer
:surrender

[ch0g0nda]

Originally posted by Hyprium
Ooh just go ahead and overdo everything ive sayd!:Yea right
If you dident get what i whas aiming at then how can you judge it?
dident think so, Ive had my saying, and dont even go there! I overdid nothing. I took what you said and replyed to it.

Can't handle it?

As for the subject at hand. From day to day we may forget what those who died at war time have done for us. But in the long run we owe everything we have today to those brave men and women who gave their life.

[bejohnson]

Originally posted by ch0g0nda
As for the subject at hand. From day to day we may forget what those who died at war time have done for us. But in the long run we owe everything we have today to those brave men and women who gave their life.

Amen!!:thumb

[ChKFlores]

Here's a quote:

"I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve."

- Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, Commander In Chief Imperial Japanese Navy

Almost prophetic indeed. What's even scarier, he planned the attack anyway.

[bejohnson]

Originally posted by ChKFlores
Here's a quote:



- Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, Commander In Chief Imperial Japanese Navy

Almost prophetic indeed. What's even scarier, he planned the attack anyway.

Yamamoto did not want war with the US but when the military leaders of Japan overruled him, he threw himself into the project 100% as any good officer would. Yamamoto was a brilliant mind but he made a few mistakes. Those mistakes eventually led to his death in the South Pacific.

[ChKFlores]

Originally posted by bejohnson
Yamamoto did not want war with the US but when the military leaders of Japan overruled him, he threw himself into the project 100% as any good officer would. Yamamoto was a brilliant mind but he made a few mistakes. Those mistakes eventually led to his death in the South Pacific.

You're close on that. Actually, he was threatened by the military leaders and became a target for assassination because of his anti-war stance. After Pearl Harbor, he became a major target by the US military.

[bejohnson]

Originally posted by ChKFlores
You're close on that. Actually, he was threatened by the military leaders and became a target for assassination because of his anti-war stance. After Pearl Harbor, he became a major target by the US military.

You are right. He was coerced into planning the strike. He also planned the Midway strike but he did give it his all. Here is the Navy Historical Center's biography on Yamamoto (http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/prs-for/japan/japrs-xz/i-yamto.htm)

[Artcwolf]

Now that I've read this all the way through, I'm going to say my peace.

As for the US being so great in WWI and WWII, I find it kind of interesting that we were trying to remain politically neutral. It took major, tradgic events to light that fire under our butts and get us to commit troops to the fighting.

I know we were trying to run supplies to the European nations; however, we would not commit American forces until after Pearl Harbor.

--moment of silence--

[KBeee]

Originally posted by thephenom
You make it sound like they carry a loaded weapon in their holster while going to shopping mall......
Even in Canada, we are allowed to have firearms given you have earned you firearm licenses and as long as the guns are unloaded and locked up in a safe cabinet. And these firearms are mainly for hunting purposes.

Is it true that in Canada the number of guns (per head of population) actually exceeds that of the US? Not sure where I heard that, but I was amazed.

[thephenom]

Originally posted by KBeee
Is it true that in Canada the number of guns (per head of population) actually exceeds that of the US? Not sure where I heard that, but I was amazed.
I think it's true, I heard the same thing in "Bowling for Columbine"

But we have to lock up our firearms in a safe locker inside the house unloaded, and transported in a safe case too.

[bejohnson]

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (Dec. 4, 2003)

Everett Hyland, the only remaining Pearl Harbor survivor who served aboard the battleship USS Pennsylvania (BB 38), carries the national ensign aboard the USS Arizona Memorial during a flag raising ceremony. Sailors from Naval Medical Clinic Pearl Harbor planned and participated in the ceremony. The flag was flown over the Arizona Memorial and then sent to Somerset County, Pennsylvania, where it will be flown regularly above the future Flight 93 Memorial, commemorating those who perished in the United Airlines Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Jim Williams.