Bethpage-Tribune_2002-12-06

              O^K,™.* 4f fh o VOL. 40 NO. 48
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SERVING BETHPAGE, ISLANDTREES, OLD BETHPAGE, PLAINVIEW, SEAFORD AND PLAINEDGE
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DECEMBER 6-12, 2002
FORTY CENTS
Remember Pearl Harbor
Dec.7, 1941
- A Day That Will Live In Infamy-
FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT'S PEARL HARBOR SPEECH
(December 8, 1941)
To the Congress of the United States:
Yesterday, Dec. 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.
The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of
Japan, was still in conversation with the government and its emperor
looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.
Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced
bombing in Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his
colleagues delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent
American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to
continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint
of war or 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. 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.
this morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending
throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday 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.
Pearl Harbor, on the island of O'ahu, Hawaii, (then a territory of the
United States) was attacked by the Japanese Imperial Navy, at
approximately 8:00 A.M., Sunday morning, December 7, 1941. The
surprise attack had been conceived by Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto. The
striking force of 353 Japanese aircraft was led by Commander Mitsuo
Fuchida. There had been no formal declaration of war.
Approximately 100 ships of the U.S. Navy were present that morning,
consisting of battleships, destroyers, cruisers and various support ships.
Over half the U.S. Pacific fleet was out to sea, including the carriers.
Simultaneously, nearby Hickam Field was also the victim of the surprise
attack by the Japanese. 18 Army Aircorps aircraft including bombers and
fighters and attack bombers were destroyed or damaged on the ground. A
few U.S. fighters struggled into the air against the invaders and gave a
good account of themselves.
A total of twenty-nine Japanese aircraft were shot down by ground fire
and U.S. pilots from various military installations on O'ahu.
Always will we 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 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
very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that 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, Dec. 7, a state of war has existed between the
United States and the Japanese empire.
MY BUDDIES & ME
We're down in the mess deck finishing breakfast,
Dressed in our whites ready to go on Sunday liberty, my
buddies & me.
It's just a few more minutes now until "Colors" then a
launch across the harbor and town.
Today is a special day for my buddies & me.
I'm really looking forward to this day's liberty.
Many of us will go our separate ways today, but not us,
we'll be together, my buddies & me.
What was that explosion - what was that jolt?
What's happening -- WHAT'S HAPPENED??!!
Silence now - we're here in the mess deck, my buddies &
me.
How long has it been -- an eternity?
We're still in our whites now soiled and ragged by our
blood, fuel oil and the toll of
We're still here together my buddies & me.
I wish we could have made our Sunday liberty.
I would have been nineteen today.
Mom and Pop don't grieve for me -- a battleship sailor is
what I wanted to be.
I'm happy now with my buddies & me.
Skeletal hands entwined in our grave at the bottom of the
sea.
Hey it's me, It's me and my buddies and me!
I. BUDD NEASE, USN
LEST WE FORGET
The Memorial straddles the sunken hull of the battleship
USS Arizona and commemorates the December 7, 1941,
Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
Courtesy of The American Legion Aux. #86
Joan Poppe, President