Delivered to a joint session of Congress on December 8, 1941, the day after Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor. Within an hour, Congress declared war, bringing the United States into World War II.
Address
“Yesterday, 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.”Roosevelt described the attack and Japan’s coordinated assaults across the Pacific, then turned to resolve:
“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.”
“With confidence in our armed forces—with the unbounding determination of our people—we will gain the inevitable triumph—so help us God.”He concluded by asking Congress to declare a state of war:
“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.”