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N0KFQ > TODAY 08.12.15 16:30l 46 Lines 1960 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 76929_N0KFQ
Read: GUEST
Subj: Today in History - Dec 8
Path: IW8PGT<IZ3LSV<I0OJJ<N6RME<N0KFQ
Sent: 151208/1530Z 76929@N0KFQ.#SWMO.MO.USA.NA BPQ1.4.65
1941
The United States declares war on Japan
On this day, as America's Pacific fleet lay in ruins at Pearl
Harbor, President Franklin Roosevelt requests, and receives, a
declaration of war against Japan.
Leaning heavily on the arm of his son James, a Marine captain,
FDR walked haltingly into the House of Representatives at noon to
request a declaration of war from the House and address the
nation via radio. "Yesterday," the president proclaimed,
"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."
Roosevelt's 10-minute speech, ending with an oath-"So help us
God"_was greeted in the House by thunderous applause and stamping
of feet. Within one hour, the president had his declaration of
war, with only one dissenting vote, from a pacifist in the House.
FDR signed the declaration at 4:10 p.m., wearing a black armband
to symbolize mourning for those lost at Pearl Harbor.
On both coasts, civilian defense groups were mobilized. In New
York, Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia ordered the rounding up of
Japanese nationals, who were transported to Ellis Island and held
in custody indefinitely. In California, antiaircraft batteries
were set up on Long Beach and the Hollywood Hills. Reports on
supposed spy activity on the part of Japanese Americans began
pouring into Washington, even as Japanese Americans paid for
space in newspapers to declare unreservedly their loyalty to the
United States. The groundwork was being laid for the tragic
internment of Japanese Americans, thought a necessary caution at
the time but regretted years later as a hysterical and bigoted
response.
73, K.O. n0kfq
N0KFQ @ N0KFQ.#SWMO.MO.USA.NA
E-mail: kohiggs@gmail.com
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