From all Military Ovation board members and volunteers, we thank you and Happy Thanksgiving.

President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving one hundred fifty years ago, in the midst of the Civil War. Though it was a time of hardship, Thanksgiving was a day for Americans to express gratitude for the many blessings they enjoyed, including the sacrifices of those serving in uniform and their families. Every year since, Americans have come together during this season to reflect and to give thanks.

This time of year is especially difficult for service members who are serving far away from their families and loved ones. To all those deployed overseas: know that Americans will be thinking about you as they gather around the Thanksgiving table, and praying for your safe return. To their families back here at home: Americans will always be indebted to you for sacrificing on their behalf.

Whether you are in uniform or a civilian, whether deployed abroad or stationed here at home, it is your service and commitment that allows Americans to enjoy the blessings of Thanksgiving. Your strength, selflessness, and patriotism are deeply respected by the American people, and we are very thankful for your commitment to our country.

From all Military Ovation board members and volunteers, we thank you and Happy Thanksgiving.

By the time the 13 Colonies became the United States of America, the only national holidays were Independence Day and George Washington’s birthday. There was no national day of Thanksgiving.

That eventually changed when a very determined lady by the name of Sarah Josepha Hale campaigned for years to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday.

Sarah was the daughter of Martha Whittlesey Buel (1752-1811) and Captain Gordon Buel, who were married in 1783 in Saybrook. Martha’s predecessors were members of Saybrook’s deep-rooted and prominent Whittlesey family.

Gordon Buel served as captain in the American Revolution and after the war, was granted 400 acres in Newport, N.H., where they moved to work the farmland. Eventually they had four children, one of whom was Sarah Josepha, born on Oct. 24, 1788.

In an 1868 Godey’s Lady’s Book, Hale shared the following poem:

Our National Thanksgiving

All the blessings of the fields,

All the stores the garden yields,

All the plenty summer pours,

Autumn’s rich, o’erflowing stores,

Peace, prosperity and health,

Private bliss and public wealth,

Knowledge with its gladdening streams,

Pure religion’s holier beams:

Lord, for these our souls shall raise

Grateful vows and solemn praise.

Day of the Deployed; an idea driven by passion, tenacity and networking

Day of the Deployed; an idea driven by passion, tenacity and networking

By Shelle Aberle, founder of Military Ovation and spouse of (ret) Colonel Michael Aberle, former North Dakota Army National Guard Chief of Staff

Each year, we honor our fallen heroes on Memorial Day, and all those who have served on Veterans Day. The Day of the Deployed gives us an opportunity to focus on those who are fighting for us today.

Day of the Deployed is a day to honor the many selfless actions demanded of military members and their loved ones across the globe. This day serves as a tangible reminder of the sacrifice being made in homes across America every day. Every deployment reflects the deep commitment of not only the deploying member, but of the many friends and loved ones who are left behind to aid in answering our nations call. Selfless men, women and children who are called upon to set aside their personal comfort and convenience to support the heroes they call mom, dad, father, mother, brother, sister or friend.

October 26 - Day of the Deployed has been a “National Day of Honor” since 2011 when North Dakota’s US Senator John Hoeven co-sponsored S. RES. 295, which passed through the US Senate unanimously. Since then S. RES. 581 passed in 2012 unanimously and in 2013, S. RES. 273 was again voted through the US Senate with 100% support. (http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=1fd15b5e-91c1-44a8-bbf6-4503d3d86ad4)

(The Resolutions are searchable by S.RES # )

Mr. HOEVEN (for himself, Mr. CARDIN, Mr. ROBERTS, Mr. BLUNT, Mr. TESTER, and Ms. HEITKAMP) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

RESOLUTION Designating October 26, 2013, as `Day of the Deployed'.

Whereas more than 2,500,000 individuals serve as members of the United States Armed Forces;

Whereas several hundred thousand members of the Armed Forces rotate each year through deployments to over 150 countries in every region of the world;

Whereas more than 2,300,000 members of the Armed Forces have deployed to the area of operations of the United States Central Command since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks;

Whereas the United States is kept strong and free by the loyal military personnel from the active, National Guard, and Reserve components, who protect the precious heritage of the country through their positive declaration and actions;

Whereas members of the Armed Forces serving at home and abroad have courageously answered the call to duty to defend the ideals of the United States and to preserve peace and freedom around the world;

Whereas members of the Armed Forces personify the virtues of patriotism, service, duty, courage, and sacrifice;

Whereas the families of members of the Armed Forces make important and significant sacrifices for the United States;

Whereas the Senate designated October 26 as `Day of the Deployed' in 2011 and 2012; and

Whereas all 50 States designated October 26 as `Day of the Deployed' in 2012: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate--(1) designates October 26, 2013, as `Day of the Deployed';

(2) honors the deployed members of the United States Armed Forces and their families;

(3) calls on the people of the United States to reflect on the service of those members of the Armed Forces, wherever they serve, past, present, and future; and

(4) encourages the people of the United States to observe Day of the Deployed with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

 

Resolutions just don’t magically appear, there is always a reason that drives the cause, and hence this lesson in the history books of war since 9-11. Day of the Deployed actually originated in North Dakota in 2006.

June 6, 2006, the North Dakota Army National Guard 1-188^th ADA SECFOR had their first casualties in Afghanistan when SGT Travis A. Van Zoest and CPL Curtis R. Mehrer 6 were killed when their Humvee struck two anti-tank mines during combat operations in Khogyani, Afghanistan.

At that point in time, I knew that I needed to do something to showcase support for all deployed warriors and their families to keep morale up in any possible way.

I taught Public Relations at the University of North Dakota at the time, so I brought the idea for an event and proclamation to my students. In class, we wrote the proclamation as a group assignment and then forwarded the proclamation to (then) North Dakota Governor John Hoeven; he approved the idea and signed the proclamation.

The origination of the day chosen; October 26, stems from another North Dakota root. LTC (now COL) David Hosna, who is my cousin from Bottineau, ND, was deployed to Iraq with the United States Army. October 26 is his birthday, and we had to pick a day, so we chose it in honor of him.

The first event was hosted at the Empire Arts Center in Grand Forks, ND with the Grand Forks Symphony in full concert. The Honor Guard from the Grand Forks Air Force Base presented the colors and Emily Custer opened the evening with the National Anthem. She concluded the two-hour event with a video montage to the song "ThankYou," which she wrote. 

Two NDARNG 1-188th ADA SECFOR soldiers on their R&R from the deployment in Afghanistan traveled across the state to be a part of the event. SGT Justina Bilby, from Velva and SPC Megan Dockter from Minot read the poem, “I am the One” (https://www.facebook.com/notes/day-of-the-deployed/day-of-the-deployed-poem-i-am-the-one/417026978273)

And were joined by featured speakers, medically retired USMC Lance Cpl. Ben Lunak  and USMC Maj. Mike McNamara, both Iraq war veterans from Grand Forks Mayor Michael Brown (USAF LTC Ret.) also read the state proclamation in absence of the Governor.

In 2007, Minnesota joined North Dakota in proclaiming this day of honor and the North Dakota event was again hosted in Grand Forks at the University of North Dakota with a flag rising presentation by the UND ROTC.

In 2008, South Dakota joined North Dakota and Minnesota in proclaiming this day of honor and the North Dakota event was hosted in Grand Forks at the University of North Dakota with a flag rising presentation by the UND ROTC.

In 2009, a national troop support organization (Soldiers’ Angels) joined forces with the event and under my guidance 25 different states joined in with state signed proclamations. The official event was hosted at the state capitol in Bismarck with Governor Hoeven presenting at the event, the National Anthem sung by Tayler Kearn, Miss North Dakota USA and a special presentation by Sydney Murphy, daughter of NDARNG CPT Dan Murphy who was deployed at the time.

My Dad by Sydney Murphy

My name is Sydney Murphy and I am 10 years old.  My dad is Captain Dan Murphy and he has been in the National Guard for almost 20 years.  Currently my dad is deployed to Kosovo and this is his third deployment.

Since my dad has been gone so much for deployments he has missed many different holidays including my three favorites Halloween, Christmas, and the 4rth of July.  My dad has also missed my birthday, my brother’s birthday and my mom’s birthday.  My dad has missed many of my brother’s football and basketball games and many of my basketball and soccer games.  

It is very hard for me because my dad is not here to tuck me into bed, snuggle with me at bed time and kiss me goodnight.  It is also very hard for me because my dad is not here in the morning to wake me up with his big smile.  I miss my dad’s smile, his funniness, his jokes, his hugs and kisses, and I especially miss the chores that he did, because now I have to do his chores.

When my dad is deployed, I know things aren’t easy for him either.  My dad stays up late and gets up very early, he has to work very hard and go to meetings everyday.  When I Skype and talk with him he seems very tired.

I am very proud of my dad because he is deployed and loves serving our country, and my dad cares about everyone’s freedom.  Today, I want give a special thank you to everyone who is deployed, especially my dad, Captain Dan Murphy, I love you dad.

 

 In 2010, 40 states stepped up in honor of the deployed warriors and families from their respective states. This now being the 5^th Annual Day of the Deployed in North Dakota, we had Emily Custer from the first Day of the Deployed back to sing the National Anthem along with her “Thank You” song once again. Guest speaker this year was Jennifer Vannurden.

My husband is Captain Walyn Vannurden the commander of the RAID IV/Sentinel currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.  This is his second deployment and his second time being honored at the day of the deployed.  The first time he deployed was in 2005 with the SECFOR.  I am sure there’s not a person in this room that doesn’t know how difficult and costly the SECFOR deployment was.  So as my first point in my speech I want to pay tribute to the soldiers that have paid the ultimate price for our freedom, and to their families.  We will never forget their sacrifice.  

I have this favorite t-shirt that my husband gave me as a souvenir from one of his many trips to one of our military bases.  It says on the back “Not all wives are created equal some become Army Wives” This phrase can be applied to wives and husbands of all branches of service.  I want to thank all the Military spouses who have stood by their soldiers and supported them in their service to their country.  Whether their soldier has never or not yet deployed or has deployed 2, 3, and 4 times your support is still noticed and appreciated.    As a military spouse you often take on the role of mom and dad, accountant, housekeeper, cook, grounds keeper, the list goes on and on.  You also learn that you can fix things around the house and performed scheduled maintenance on your vehicles, even if it is just taking it to the quick lube.  You can give birth without your spouse even if you’d rather not.  But as tough as all of this may sound we generally never feel anger about the situation we may be in.  Most of us married our soldier knowing that this is the way our life may be, we accept the things we cannot change and we grow from it.  Again thank you to all of the spouses that have stood by their soldier and supported them.  

I really have a special place in my heart for the parents of soldiers.  As a spouse you marry your soldier knowing full well what you are getting yourself into.  But the parents of soldiers don’t say to themselves I think I will have a child and that child will grow up to be a soldier and go to war to protect our freedom.  They support their children’s decision to join the military sometimes even approve it as my in laws did when Walyn wanted to join the military at 17.  Parents of soldiers deserve a special thank you for the way they love and support our soldiers like only a mother and father can.  Thank you to all the parents of a soldier for your selflessness and for bringing such incredible people into this world and bringing them up to love and fight for our country and freedoms.   

Military Moms and Dads are awesome but military children are really something special.  Some are adults with their own children, some college students and teenagers, some in elementary and middle school, some toddlers and babies, and some still being carried by that incredible military spouse.  These children also don’t choose to be the child of a soldier, but they accept it and support their parent just the same.  Often it is our children that suffer from deployment the most.  Many small children don’t understand why mommy or daddy is gone but is fully aware that they are gone.  Many somewhat understand, many fully understand.  We tell Alaina that Daddy is working.  The sweetest thing is that despite the fact that their parent has been gone for so long and they may have felt abandoned when their soldier left, most children embrace them as if they’d never left and love them just the same when they return.  Our military children are incredibly forgiving and resilient.  Thank you to our military children for being the bravest little soldiers of all.  

Also thank you to all of the brothers, sisters, grandparents, and anyone else that stands behind and supports our soldiers.  The truth is that the reason our soldiers are so great is because of all the love and support that they receive back home.

Last I want to thank our soldiers.  They are the reason we are here today.  I can’t imagine saying good bye to my spouse wondering if they will manage ok without me for the next year.  I especially can’t imagine saying good bye to my children knowing I may miss their first words, first steps, first day of school, first ballet recital or baseball game, first date or first prom, graduation, weddings, all those firsts or all those occasions that no one wants to miss, but sadly many of our soldiers do miss.  Our soldiers live in some of the worst conditions imaginable and sometimes witness things that nightmares are made of, but they do all this for our great nation.  They come home and soldier on thanks largely to the help and support of their families and their communities and people like all of you!  Thank you all for what you do for our brave men and women. 

At this very event, I discussed with Governor Hoeven (who was now running for the US Senate), “when you are in the US Senate, let’s make this a US Senate Resolution.” He smiled and said, “I have to get elected first.” Fast forward to election night, I attended his celebration party and had the chance to say, “Congratulations, I will see you in DC and we will make Day of the Deployed a national day of honor.” He said, “Yes, I will see you in DC!”

2011: Senator John Hoeven led the efforts and (co) sponsored S. RES. 295 for a first national day of honor. It was passed unanimously on October 18, 2011 for the first ever national day honoring the deployed troops and their families. Co-Sponsors: Senators John Hoeven (North Dakota), Kent Conrad (North Dakota), Pat Roberts (Kansas), Roy Blunt (Missouri), John Boozman (Arkansas), Jeff Sessions (Alabama) and Johnny Isakson (Georgia). 

This first national event was hosted at Bismarck State College and live streamed across the globe. Governor Jack Dalrymple signed the 6th Annual North Dakota Day of the Deployed.  Meg Morley, and my daughters Rebbekah McPherron and Emmaleis McPherron sang the national anthem at the first ever National Day of the Deployed. Senator John Hoeven was present and other guest speakers were skyped into the event as LTC Bill Watson and SPC Brandon Carrigan were preparing to deploy to Kosovo with the NDARNG 1- 112th Aviation Regiment.

2012: S. RES. 581 was passed unanimously on September 22, 2012 in the US Senate noting the 2nd Annual National Day of the Deployed. Co-Sponsors : Senators John Hoeven (North Dakota), Kent Conrad (North Dakota), Pat Roberts (Kansas), Roy Blunt (Missouri), John Boozman (Arkansas).

The formal event was hosted at Bismarck State College with guest presenters Governor Jack Dalrymple, Senator John, Hoeven, Representative Rick Berg, NDARNG MG David Sprynczynatyk, GFAFB  Col Tim Bush, AMC 319 ABW/CC Commander and MAFB Lt Col Sean Wade from the 5th Logistics Readiness Squadron. This event was live streamed across the globe. Lori Thompson, the COO of Military Ovation was present to sing the National Anthem. Governor Jack Dalrymple signed the 7th Annual North Dakota Day of the Deployed.

2013: S. RES. 273 was passed unanimously on October 16, 2013. Co-Sponsors: Senators; John Hoeven (North Dakota), Heidi Heitkamp (North Dakota) Pat Roberts (Kansas), Roy Blunt (Missouri), Jon Tester (Montana) and Ben Cardin (Maryland). Governor Jack Dalrymple signed the 8th Annual North Dakota Day of the Deployed.

This year the events are being informally hosted in coffee shops across North Dakota since it falls on a weekend.

The “National Day of” … Calendar inducted the National Day of the Deployed into their site on October 23, 2013.  to add another piece of history to the history books of this great nation.

Working with John Hoeven on Day of the Deployed since 2006 in North Dakota has been an honorable way to extend appreciation to the deployed service members and their families. Day of the Deployed is recognition for their hard work, dedication and commitment to the United States of America. This day is all about them.  It is important that we mark this day in honor of those who serve. The Day of the Deployed is a chance for us to reflect on the sacrifice and commitment of our military personnel and formally offer our thanks to these brave men and women. While we can never fully appreciate the sacrifice of our soldiers and their families, we must do all that we can to honor their service to our country.

 

Thank you to all the military members across the United States of America who provides that blanket of freedom that my family and I sleep under every night.  Please join us on Facebook and say thank you to all our warriors and families who continue to serve our great nation.

 

Military Ovation is a local nonprofit standing in support of the troops, veterans and families serving IN and FROM North Dakota.

 

 

Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship Program.

 

 

Applications Now Accepted for 2014 Military Spouse Scholarships

The National Military Family Association is now accepting applications for its annual Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship Program. The Association recognizes the unique challenges today’s military spouses face pursuing additional training or education. Scholarship recipients can receive up to $2,500 to help with education costs in one of seven categories: High School GED and English as a Second Language, Degree Seeking (Associate’s level through Post-doctoral), Clinical Supervision (for Mental Health fields), Licensure, Vocational and Certification, Spouses of Fallen Service Members and Spouses of Wounded Service Members.

Applications will only be accepted online and must be submitted by 12:00pm EDT on February 3, 2014. Spouses and surviving spouses of active duty, National Guard and Reserve and retired service members are eligible to apply, regardless of the service member’s rank or branch of service. The scholarship funds may be used to assist with licensing, certification, tuition, and fees. Apply now!

Empty Chair Military Tribute

Holidays are often filled with parties and happiness, but remember, there is often a missing chair in many military families.

We would like to ask all of you to join us by remembering the incredible cost paid by those who currently serve as well as all who have served and are unable to be with their loved ones,the ones who give their all to help preserve the freedoms we enjoy and those gallant individuals who fought and died for our country. We also pay tribute to those whose fate is still unknown, those still listed as Missing In Action and Prisoners Of War. These courageous Americans, who dedicated their lives to preserving and protecting our freedom, will never be forgotten.

Those who have served and those currently serving in the uniformed services of the United States are ever mindful that the sweetness of enduring peace has always been tainted by the bitterness of personal sacrifice. We are compelled to never forget that while we enjoy our daily pleasures, there are others who have endured and may still be enduring the agonies of pain, deprivation, and internment.

To honor these men and women, we participate in the Empty Chair Military Tribute.

We call your attention to this small table which occupies a place of dignity
and honor. It is being set for one, symbolizing the fact that members of our armed forces are missing from our ranks. They are currently unable to be with their loved ones either due to the responsibilities of their current service, because they have paid the ultimate cost or because they have become a MIA or POW.

It is because they are unable to be with their loved ones and families, that we join together to pay our humble tribute to them, and to bear witness to their continued absence.

You can do this by placing an empty chair at your holiday table to represent those unable to join their own families and observe a moment of silence or say a prayer during your holiday celebrations.

 Our Tribute is symbolized in the following manner but you can pay homage in your own way:

The Table is round and set for just one symbolizing the frailty of one separated from those they love.

The Tablecloth is white, symbolic of the purity of their intentions to respond to their Country’s call to arms.

The yellow ribbon symbolizes the support of those of at home and the safe return of all service members

The dark red candle in the front center symbolizes POW and MIA.

The top red candle symbolizes the fallen and their valor and bravery.

The blue candle symbolizes the deployed and their vigilance, perseverance and loyalty.

The white candle symbolizes the hope for peace.

Each Candle is reminiscent of the light of hope, which lives in our hearts to illuminate their way home to the open arms of a grateful nation.

The empty chair symbolizes all those who are serving our country who can not be with their families because they are protecting our freedoms.

Remembering you and yours during the holiday season.

December 7, 1941...a date which will live in infamy!

The USS Arizona (BB-39) burning after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor

The attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise military strike conducted by the Imperial Japanese Navy against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on the morning of December 7, 1941 (December 8 in Japan). The attack led to the United States' entry into World War II.

Just before the first bombs dropped on Pearl Harbor, Commander Mitsuo Fuchida, leader of the air attack, called out, "Tora! Tora! Tora!" ("Tiger! Tiger! Tiger!"), a coded message which told the entire Japanese navy that they had caught the Americans totally by surprise.

In just under two hours, the Japanese had sunk four U.S. battleships (Arizona, California, Oklahoma, and West Virginia). There were eight U.S. battleships at Pearl Harbor, seven of which were lined up at what was called Battleship Row and one (the Pennsylvania) was in dry dock for repairs. (The Colorado, the only other battleship of the U.S.'s Pacific fleet, was not at Pearl Harbor that day.)

The seven U.S. battleships on Battleship Row:

• Nevada - Just over a half hour after the Nevada was hit by one torpedo, the Nevada got underway and left its berth in Battleship Row to head toward the harbor entrance. The moving ship made an attractive target to the Japanese bombers, who caused enough damage to the Nevada that it was forced to beach itself.
• Arizona - The Arizona was struck a number of times by bombs. One of these bombs, thought to have hit the forward magazine, caused a massive explosion, which quickly sank the ship. Approximately 1,100 of her crew were killed. A memorial has since been placed over the Arizona's wreckage.
• Tennessee - The Tennessee was hit by two bombs and was damaged by oil fires after the nearby Arizona exploded. However, it stayed afloat.
• West Virginia - The West Virginia was hit by up to nine torpedoes and quickly sank.
• Maryland - The Maryland was hit by two bombs but was not heavily damaged.
• Oklahoma - The Oklahoma was hit by up to nine torpedoes and then listed so severely that she turned nearly upside down. Despite being upside down, a large number of her crew remained trapped on board. Rescue efforts were only able to save 32 of her crew.
• California - The California was struck by two torpedoes and hit by a bomb. The flooding grew out of control and the California sank three days later.

Also damaged were three light cruisers, four destroyers, one minelayer, one target ship, and four auxiliaries.  Of the U.S. aircraft, the Japanese managed to destroy 188 and damage an additional 159. The death toll among Americans was quite high. A total of 2,335 servicemen were killed and 1,143 were wounded. Sixty-eight civilians were also killed and 35 were wounded. Nearly half of the servicemen that were killed were on board the Arizona when it exploded.

The day following the attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed Congress in which he declared that December 7, 1941 was "a date that will live in infamy."

(Note: The text below is the speech as Roosevelt delivered it, which differs slightly from his final written draft. This speech was made by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to a Joint Session of Congress at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, December 8, 1941, in Washington, D.C. The sound recording was made available by the National Archives of the United States. Nicknamed the "Day of Infamy Speech," it is one of the most famous political speeches of the 20th century.)

 

 

President Franklin Roosevelt's "Day of Infamy" Speech

Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Senate, and of the 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 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. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of 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 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.

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.

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 that 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 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.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.

At the end of the speech, Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war on Japan. With only one dissenting vote (by Representative Jeannette Rankin from Montana), Congress declared war, officially bringing the United States into World War II.

• 16 million Americans served in the Armed Forces of the U.S during WWII and more than 400,000 died.

• Of these warriors come the Greatest Generation of Americans; 7 Lessons in Manliness From the Greatest Generation. We all could learn many lessons from these brave warriors; both male and female.