10 Years Ago Today

September 11th, 2001 is a day that sticks out in everyone's mind.  All someone needs to say is 9/11 and everyone is this country thinks of the same thing.  10 years later it still gives me the chills, still brings me to tears, still feels like yesterday.  I'm sure you all remember where you were when you heard the news, that you could recall that day clearly while you may not even recall what you did last week.  I was 12 years old.  I was in my 2nd week of the 7th grade and had just moved up from the middle school to the high school.  I was in gym class, probably in the track & field unit.  I didn't actually find out until 2nd hour English.  If I walked into that classroom today I could still tell you which desk was mine, it was in the back by the window.  I remember not really knowing what was going on.  All I knew was that "America was being attacked."  That planes were flying into buildings.  I was honestly momentarily terrified that at any moment my middle of nowhere high school in Minnesota could be next.  It wasn't until we began watching the news in every class that I really understood what was going on and even then didn't know why.  It was then that my interest in politics spiked and made me into a politically aware 12 year old.  My interest in politics and history has continued to grow over the past 10 years.  I always wanted to be a teacher but perhaps it was those events in history that in the long run made me choose to study social studies rather than any other subject...
So on this day:

Remember those lost

Remember those left to mourn

Remember those that served

Remember those still serving



Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

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.

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 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.

Franklin Roosevelt