Thank You.
The importance of today has glossed over many people.
To the families of soldiers who lost their lives and the soldiers themselves; to the soldiers who came home; to the soldiers who are out there today, thank you. Many rose up against a powerful enemy who threatened worldwide freedom, and Allied soldiers stood against it.
In America, we remember the soldiers who were surprised and killed without provocation or warning, some of whom still lay at rest in the bottom of Pearl Harbor.
We also remember the soldiers across the world who died for freedom for their countries; Poland, Britian, France, Australia, Kiwis (New Zealand), Nepal, South Africa, Canada... the list goes on and on. These countries and others were fighting for years before the United States joined in. These countries weathered the fight to protect freedom.
Thank you, soldiers.
The rest I have to say is political.
I'm not one to make political arguments on the web, but I'll toss this out there as it's on my mind. Knowing at least one Brit who occasionally reads this (of the 3 people, lol), I welcome any feedback from others about what memorial dates are held in honor of British, Russian, Australiaian, French, Spanish, etc. soldiers, as well as if this is actually applicable today or if I'm just crazy. Anyway.
It saddens me that today, "a date which will live in infamy," seems to have passed so many Americans by. I wanted to look back on the speech presented by F.D.R. to Congress on the 8th of December, 1941 (65 years ago tomorrow).
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.
The Japanese approach and effective indication of war was less than respectful. It was cruel and underhanded, really. They're not entirely to blame, though; it was partially due to the fact that the messages from Japan had to be translated into English and the Japanese ambassador was held up as a result. There's a great film which chronicles this (with some revisionist history therein, I admit) called "Tora Tora Tora." If you haven't seen it, I recommend it; it's fascinating to watch. It also tells an interesting story on the history of modern radar, but I digress. Most Americans (if not all) were rather upset with the approach that had been taken and we were saddened by the great loss of American lives. Blah blah.
On with the speech.
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.
... (skipping some)...
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 uttermost, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.
I think it's worthwhile to read the following: "No Substitute for Victory," and consider the modern implications. You can teal deer (tl;dr) it if you want. I freely admit I got this article thanks to Cox and Forkum.
There's nothing more that I can say that isn't said better by John Lewis in his essay (linked above).
FDR's speech is available here: http://americanrhetoric.com/speeches/fdrpearlharbor.htm
I just hope more Americans remember this day for what it is.
To the families of soldiers who lost their lives and the soldiers themselves; to the soldiers who came home; to the soldiers who are out there today, thank you. Many rose up against a powerful enemy who threatened worldwide freedom, and Allied soldiers stood against it.
In America, we remember the soldiers who were surprised and killed without provocation or warning, some of whom still lay at rest in the bottom of Pearl Harbor.
We also remember the soldiers across the world who died for freedom for their countries; Poland, Britian, France, Australia, Kiwis (New Zealand), Nepal, South Africa, Canada... the list goes on and on. These countries and others were fighting for years before the United States joined in. These countries weathered the fight to protect freedom.
Thank you, soldiers.
The rest I have to say is political.
I'm not one to make political arguments on the web, but I'll toss this out there as it's on my mind. Knowing at least one Brit who occasionally reads this (of the 3 people, lol), I welcome any feedback from others about what memorial dates are held in honor of British, Russian, Australiaian, French, Spanish, etc. soldiers, as well as if this is actually applicable today or if I'm just crazy. Anyway.
It saddens me that today, "a date which will live in infamy," seems to have passed so many Americans by. I wanted to look back on the speech presented by F.D.R. to Congress on the 8th of December, 1941 (65 years ago tomorrow).
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.
The Japanese approach and effective indication of war was less than respectful. It was cruel and underhanded, really. They're not entirely to blame, though; it was partially due to the fact that the messages from Japan had to be translated into English and the Japanese ambassador was held up as a result. There's a great film which chronicles this (with some revisionist history therein, I admit) called "Tora Tora Tora." If you haven't seen it, I recommend it; it's fascinating to watch. It also tells an interesting story on the history of modern radar, but I digress. Most Americans (if not all) were rather upset with the approach that had been taken and we were saddened by the great loss of American lives. Blah blah.
On with the speech.
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.
... (skipping some)...
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 uttermost, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.
I think it's worthwhile to read the following: "No Substitute for Victory," and consider the modern implications. You can teal deer (tl;dr) it if you want. I freely admit I got this article thanks to Cox and Forkum.
There's nothing more that I can say that isn't said better by John Lewis in his essay (linked above).
FDR's speech is available here: http://americanrhetoric.com/speeches/fdrpearlharbor.htm
I just hope more Americans remember this day for what it is.