Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Pearl Harbor

Yesterday was the 59th anniversary of attack on Pearl Harbor. In keeping with the recent theme of publishing quotes in this blog, here are a few in remembrance of that day:

"Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition." - Chaplain Howell Forgy of the New Orleans, encouraging the gun crews firing back at the Japanese Zeroes.

"Real planes, real bombs. This is no ***** drill." - Voice on the PA of the Oklahoma.


"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....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....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 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire." - FDR, speech to Congress on Dec 8, 1941 requesting a declaration of war against Japan.


"Many people have been astonished that Japan should in a single day have plunged into war against the United States and the British Empire. We all wonder why, if this dark design, with all its laborious and intricate preparations, had been so long filling their secret minds, they did not choose our moment of weakness eighteen months ago. Viewed quite dispassionately, in spite of the losses we have suffered and the further punishment we shall have to take, it certainly appears to be an irrational act.... For after the outrages they have committed upon us at Pearl Harbour, in the Pacific Islands, in the Philippines, in Malaya, and in the Dutch East Indies, they must now know that the stakes for which they have decided to play are mortal." Churchill, Dec 26, 1941, Address to Joint Session of Congress, Washington, D.C.

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