We Can Never Afford To Forget That ‘Date Which Will Live In Infamy’
By Corey Thompson, filed in Corey Thompson, General on Dec.08, 2009
***The following is an adaptation of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s ‘Address to the Nation’ from December 8, 1941…one day after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
I dedicate it to my Great-Uncle, Joe Walker, who was there on that infamous day…and who, by the grace of God, was one of those who survived…but never forgot…***
Dear Uncle Joe, members of my family, friends and fellow Americans, and readers of “The Thirsty Quill:”
Yesterday, December 7th – a date that has started to fade in importance from our collective memory — the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by distractions that caused us to forget.
The United States was in a state of slumber and, at the solicitation of our people, was more concerned with the day-to-day routines of our self-serving lives than with pausing one moment to remember the selfless sacrifice of those who came before.
Selfishness has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout all areas of our lives. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States had, at one time, formed their opinions and well understood the implications to the very life and safety of our nation. Yet today, we have no recollection of such significance.
As Editor-in-Chief of “The Thirsty Quill,” I have become dedicated to the notion that all measures be taken for the reaffirmation of those values long forgotten. But, it will take our whole nation to defeat the onslaught brought against us by the erosion of our moral fortitude.
No matter how long it may take us to overcome this invasion of our conscience, the American people, in their righteous might, will win through to absolute victory!
I believe that I interpret the will of our readers, and of the majority of Americans, 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.
Yet, with confidence in our values and our faith, with the abounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph — so help us God.
I ask that the American people declare, that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack caused us to ignore the importance of Sunday, December 7th, a state of war has existed between the United States…and those distractions that caused us to forget.
We Can Never Afford To Forget December 7th, 1941
December 8th, 2009 on 4:29 pm
Thank you for remembering today. You never knew Uncle Joe, but he was a small humble, quiet man, who suffered every day from his wounds after returning from the war. He was one of 3 brothers who served in WWII, the only one at Pearl Harbor. Grandma was fortunate that only 3 of her 6 sons had to go to war, and even more fortunate they all came home. We owe so much to all our men and women in uniform, past and present, and the sacrifices they made for us. We must NEVER forget their sacrifices.