December 8th, 1941. 11:57 am. Franklin Delano Roosevelt is outside the entrance to the House of Representatives chamber in the Capitol, speaking to Harry Hopkins. There are many Secret Service agents around...about triple the President's normal detail.
"Are you ready, Mr. President?"
"As ready as I ever will be, Harry. I had hoped things wouldn't come to this...but here we are, and there is only one thing we can do, as a people, and as a nation."
Just then the doors to the House chamber open. The President is announced, and as he makes his way to the podium there is an ovation lasting several minutes. Finally, the room quiets, and FDR begins his speech, the one that will be known for all time...
"Mr. Vice President, and Mr. Speaker, and Members of the Senate and 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, air, and land forces of the British Empire..."
"Are you ready, Mr. President?"
"As ready as I ever will be, Harry. I had hoped things wouldn't come to this...but here we are, and there is only one thing we can do, as a people, and as a nation."
Just then the doors to the House chamber open. The President is announced, and as he makes his way to the podium there is an ovation lasting several minutes. Finally, the room quiets, and FDR begins his speech, the one that will be known for all time...
"Mr. Vice President, and Mr. Speaker, and Members of the Senate and 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, air, and land forces of the British Empire..."