This Saturday we commemorate Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, marking the 78th anniversary of the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. It occurred at 7:55 a.m. HST. The casualties included 2,403 Americans killed and 1,178 wounded. Japanese planes also sank or damaged 19 U.S. warships and destroyed more than 160 U.S. aircraft.
Addressing a Joint Session of Congress the next day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared it “a date which will live in infamy.”
During his address, Roosevelt described the Japanese offensive which extended throughout the Pacific area:
“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.”
After his address, President Roosevelt signed the declaration of war against Japan.
We remember and honor those Americans who were killed and wounded on that fateful day.
Please watch this video memorializing the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and hear part of Roosevelt’s message.
God bless America.
Richard Thompson
President and Chief Counsel
Thomas More Law Center