How we cite our quotes: (Sentence)
Quote #1
[…] 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. (1)
That's right: suddenly and deliberately. No warning, no "you guys better shape up or else," nothing. Just a sudden and deliberate attack. We're all about commemorative dates here in the U.S., but we'd prefer it if "dates that live in infamy" didn't happen because we got sucker-punched.
Quote #2
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. (5-6)
True story: Japanese Ambassador Kichisaburō Nomura was *supposed* to give the infamous memo to Secretary Hull at 1:00 Eastern time, which would have coincided exactly with the beginning of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, but he said he was delayed an hour because he was trying to decode said memo.
Quote #3
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. (17-18)
In other words, we got your number, Japan. We know how you roll. And guess what? We don't like it.
Quote #4
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. (20-21)
Ever heard the expression "don't poke the bear?" In this situation, America was a great big grizzly, and Japan? Japan poked it. And FDR was not amused.
Quote #5
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. (22)
Revenge is a dish best served cold…but it's also pretty effective when it's served up nice and hot in atomic bomb format. That definitely covers the whole "defending ourselves to the uttermost" thing, we think.