I have taken the speech delivered by FDR after the attack on Pearl Harbor and revised it for September 11.
Ten years ago, September 11, 2001—yet another date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by aircraft hijacked in the name of Islamic extremism.
The United States was at peace with that religion within our own borders, and, at the solicitation of numerous Islamic governments and organizations throughout the middle east, was still in conversation with these governments and organizations looking toward a peaceful solution in the region. Indeed, in the years that have passed since the events of that fateful day, these governments and organizations continued to request the assistance of the United States. While public statements of these governments and organizations indicated doubt that such a peaceful solution seemed likely through existing diplomatic negotiations, and tense rhetoric frequently ensued, they contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Manhattan and Washington, D.C., from the countries of the middle east makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many months or even years prior to the events of that day. During the time preceding the attacks, the representatives of numerous Islamic organizations and governments continued to express hope for a peaceful solution in their communications with the United States, an outlook obviously not shared by the extremists sheltered in their midst.
The attacks ten years ago on the cities of Manhattan and Washington, D.C., caused severe damage to American security and economy. We regret the need to remember the 3,200 American lives that were lost in the attacks, and the thousands of American lives that have been lost in military actions undertaken since in the effort to eradicate these extremists. In addition, American ships have been attacked in the waters of the middle east.
In the intervening years, Islamic extremists have launched attacks against Britain.
They have hijacked French aircraft.
They have attacked Israel.
They have attacked India.
They have attacked Indonesia.
They have attacked Spain.
This is only a partial list of the countries that have suffered atrocities at the hands of Islamic extremists.
Islamic extremists have, therefore, undertaken an offensive extending throughout the world. The facts of the last decade - and preceding decades - 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.
Various commanders in chief of the United States military, intelligence and law enforcement agencies 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.
We believe that we interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when we 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.
We recognize that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Islamic extremists on Tuesday, September 11, 2001, a state of war has existed between the United States and Islamic extremists around the world.
Never again forget, never again let down our guard.
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