"a day of infamy"

Today is the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Not very newsworthy today, but a day that should not be forgotten.

When i was growing up, and studied history in school, I remember reading the words of President Roosevelt in his speech given on December 8th, 1941:

"yesterday, December 7th, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy"

Not being a literary wizard, I always thought "infamy" just meant something like "always famous" or "never forget". Being a little more educated now, I truly have a greater appreciation and understanding about what FDR was saying, and how he chose his words.

He was referring to this day as one created by the evil that took place that morning. The idea that while Japan was courting the politicians for peace in the Pacific Ocean while they were secretly planning an invasion of this country.

Pearl Harbor wasn't just an attack. It wasn't a sucker punch to pick a fight with the U.S., it was the first step in an invasion of U.S. soil. The Japanese were convinced they could take over the United States.

It was the first time in almost 200 years that a foreign country had attacked our shores. Americans flocked to the military and enlisted to defend our shores. 17 year old young men were signing up. There were multiple instances where those who were not accepted commited suicide. Without question, joining the military to defend our shores was the right thing to do. The entire nation responded. Factories were re-tooled to make airplanes, ships, and weapons. Everyone sacrificed for the common cause of keeping this free country free.

FDR's speech in many ways is hauntingly familiar today:
"Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives: yesterday, December 7th, 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 uttermost 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 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire."

The United States will always have enemies as long as it remains a free nation. There is no freedom greater than what exists in our country. Our democracy is an unwritten threat to every dictatorship, either politcal or religious, that oppresses billions of people throughout the world.

I'll never forget the words i heard when I was in Khartuom, Sudan. Standing among literally hundreds of muslims outside a mosque, there was one who did not return the arabic greeting "as-salamu alaykum". It was apparent he was not happy about me being a westerner. Standing shoulder to shoulder with the people around me, they started saying "american-democracy, democracy". Of all the things that we think makes our country great, in the farthest parts of the world, our greatness is defined by the thing that we take for granted.