"A date which will live in infamy" is how President Franklin D. Roosevelt described December 7, 1941. It was the day the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, catching the bulk of United States forces in the Pacific off-guard, destroying nearly 20 warships, more than 300 aircraft and killing 2,403 sailors, soldiers, and civilians.
"With confidence in our armed forces, with the remarkable determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph," FDR said in his speech to Congress on December 8, and he was correct. After the treacherous Pearl Harbor attack, America declared war, entering WWII on the Allies' side, and would ultimately prevail over both Germany and Japan.
Today we remember Pearl Harbor, the sacrifice of our veterans, and the leadership of President Roosevelt. May the memory of that day never falter, and may our faith and resolve in the strength and greatness of America never fail.
