A Date Which Will Live In Infamy

Please take a few moments tonight to remember the brave Americans who faced down tyranny, on this, the 64th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

"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. It is obvious that planning the attack began many 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 military forces, I regret to tell you that over three thousand American lives have been lost. No matter how long it may take us to over come this pre-meditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory. Because of this unprovoked, dastardly attack by Japan, I ask that the congress declare a state of War." -- U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Two pieces of Pearl Harbor trivia:

1. Who was the only member of the U.S Congress to vote against the declaration of war on Japan? Surprisingly, it was a Republican from Montana. And a woman. Jeannette Rankin was the first woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, serving two separate terms -- 1917-1919, where she (and several others) voted against U.S. entry into the First World War II, then returning for one term in 1941. She died in 1973 at age 92.

2. "I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve." This quote is widely attributed to Japanese Adm. Isoroku Yamamoto, and is one of the more famous sayings of World War II. However, no one can find proof that he indeed said it. Instead, it seems to be an invention by the writers of "Tora, Tora, Tora."

A lesser-known quote, however, certainly sums up Yamamoto's feelings that Japan could not win a protracted war with the Allies and that the "sneak attack" -- Japan had not technically declared war on the United States before the bombing -- would bring about American fury. "I can run wild for six months ... after that, I have no expectation of success."

He was right.

We must never forget the sacrifices made that day -- and the many others that have followed. God bless those who lost their lives that day and beyond and provide comfort to their families.