“Yesterday, December 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 its government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American Island of Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our secretary of state a formal reply to a recent American message. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of 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. I regret to tell you that 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. And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today 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.
But always will our whole nation 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 that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the utmost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.
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, December 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.”
Those words were spoken by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Over a period of 110 minutes on a sunny Sunday morning, the United States suffered 2,335 military and civilian casualties. Nearly half of those casualties occurred on the USS Arizona where 1,177 servicemen perished and still remain today.
Five battleships were among the 21 naval vessels that were either sunk or damaged. On airfields across the Hawaiian Islands, another 240 airmen and more than 200 aircraft were lost. The United States was thrust into a war we had been unwilling to join.
Typical of most conflicts with which we’ve been involved, we were reluctant participants. America does not aggressively attack other nation states to gain territory or plunder. We enter to defend liberty, our allies, and to preserve and restore peace.
This continues to this day in all facets of our lives. Just as there were warning signs that became apparent after the attack on Pearl Harbor, our republic is under attack. This is not a struggle between policy differences or government programs. This is a battle over the legitimacy of our founding, our principles, the rule of law, and our existence as a self-governing people.
Just as with the runup to World War II, the warning signs are clear. Our educational system, religious institutions, law enforcement, and civil society have slowly been taken over by forces hostile to liberty. Once again, we are called to act.
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto said, “I fear all we have done is awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.” The forces of liberty have been awakened. Millions of patriots are rising to the occasion to defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. We can no longer sit on the sidelines.
For the wide-ranging issues that we face today, the Framers provided us with the solution in the Article V convention of states process. This is the solution that is as big as the problems we presently face.
All it takes is courage and commitment to follow the Framers’ instructions. Learn more and volunteer at www.cosaction.com. The next Missouri legislative session begins on January 6, 2021, and we have much work to do.
In liberty,
Brett
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