Rudyard Kipling"
“When you're left wounded on Afganistan's plains and
the women come out to cut up what remains, Just roll to your rifle
and blow out your brains,
And go to your God like a soldier”
General Douglas MacArthur"
“We are not retreating. We are advancing in another direction.”
“It is fatal to enter any war without the will to win it.” “Old soldiers never die; they just fade away.
“The soldier, above all other people, prays for peace, for he must suffer and be the deepest wounds and scars of war.”
“May God have mercy upon my enemies, because I won't .” “The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other bastard die for his.
“Nobody ever defended, there is only attack and attack and attack some more.
“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.
The Soldier stood and faced God
Which must always come to pass
He hoped his shoes were shining
Just as bright as his brass
"Step forward you Soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't
Because those of us who carry guns
Can't always be a saint."
I've had to work on Sundays
And at times my talk was tough,
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny
That wasn't mine to keep.
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep,
The Soldier squared his shoulders and said
And I never passed a cry for help
Though at times I shook with fear,
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."
There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod
As the Soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, you Soldier,
You've borne your burden well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."
“A Date Which Will Live in Infamy”: FDR Asks for a Declaration of War
Saturday, December 08, 2012
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on
December 7, 1941, stunned virtually everyone in the United States
military. Japan’s carrier-launched bombers found Pearl Harbor totally
unprepared. President Franklin Roosevelt quickly addressed Congress to
ask for a declaration of war as illustrated in this audio excerpt.
Although he never mentioned Europe or the fact that Germany had by then
declared war on the United States, the Pearl Harbor attack allowed him
to begin the larger intervention in the European war he had long wanted. President Franklin D. Roosevelt:
Yesterday, December 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 its government and its emperor looking toward the
maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air
squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the
Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to
our 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. 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.Yesterday the Japanese government also launched as 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 Japanese forces attacked Wake Island. And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan
has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout
the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today 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. But always will our whole
nation remember the character of the onslaught against us. . .
