Senators and Representatives I have the distinguished honor of presenting the President of The United States
Mr. vice president mr. speaker members of the Senate of the House of Representatives
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
The United States was at peace with that nation
And at the solicitation of Japan was still in conversation with its government and its Emperor
Looking toward the maintenance of Peace in the Pacific
The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces
I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost
In addition American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu
As commander-in-chief of the army and navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense
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
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
Hostilities exist
There is no blinking at the fact 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 asked 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