NRR Project: FDR's 'Day of Infamy' speech (Dec. 8, 1941)

 

NRR Project: Roosevelt’s ‘Day of Infamy’ speech (Dec. 8, 1941)

9:49

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was one of the greatest communicators to hold the American presidency. Broadcasting frequently and consistently to the nation on radio from the beginning of his first term in 1932, his voice was an integral part of the soundscape of the era. Confident and trusted, he steered the U.S. out of the Great Depression and set up social programs that improved the lives of millions.

This would be his most remembered speech. On Dec. 7, 1941, Japan committed a surprise attack against American forces in Hawaii, killing thousands and destroying a vast number of valuable ships, planes, and infrastructure. The nation’s citizens, formerly in favor of neutrality amid the growing madness of World War II, rapidly turned about and clamored for revenge.

The day after the tragedy at Pearl Harbor, FDR addressed the combined houses of Congress in a special session. His remarks, relatively brief and to the point, outlined the enormity of the aggression of the Japanese empire and articulated America’s response – to go to war and win it.

“I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people,” he said, “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. 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.”

The audience roared its approval. And just like that, America was engaged in the most serious conflict in its history.

The National Recording Registry Project tracks one writer’s expedition through all the recordings in the National Recording Registry in chronological order. Next time: We Hold These Truths.