Two words that would never be allowed to describe American power today...
One quiet Sunday morning in December, 80 years ago, a brazen and surprise attack on our shores shocked and galvanized our nation more forcefully than any other single event had ever done.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in his war declaration to Congress described December 7th as “a date which will live in infamy when the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.”
He spoke with great candor and forcefulness about the attack, and how the U.S. would respond.
Roosevelt noted “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.”
More than 2,400 Americans were killed and more than 1,100 were wounded at Pearl Harbor. The attack sank four United States Navy battleships and damaged four more. It also damaged or sank three cruisers, three destroyers, one minelayer, and damaged 188 aircraft.
As a result, war was declared.
But two words he used to describe American power would probably not be allowed today: righteous might.
“No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion,” Roosevelt vowed, “the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.”
Roosevelt promised the world “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.”
Those were the days…
We will forever owe a debt to those who perished at Pearl Harbor, a debt to those who fought on, and a debt to those who continue to fight courageously for our country today.
We must remain steadfast in the face of those who wish harm on our nation for our children and grandchildren, so they may live freely and peacefully in this blessed land.
Importantly, we must educate current and future generations about the heroism and sacrifices of those who have served through the preservation of their stories.
Towards that end, Nine Line has partnered with the Best Defense Foundation to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the day that will forever live in infamy.
Founded by retired NFL linebacker Donnie Edwards, the mission of the Best Defense Foundation is to honor and celebrate our veterans from past conflicts, including, WWII, Korea, Vietnam and those who have recently retired.
To date, the Foundation has taken over 100 WWII veterans on battlefield return programs to remember their fallen comrades and gain closure of a time in their life that had an impact on the world.
In addition to the Battlefield Return Program, the Foundation created a Transition Program to help retired Special Forces operators return to civilian life and connect with the community around them.
Finally, the Foundation has worked tirelessly to preserve the stories of The Greatest Generation. Over 200 WWII veterans have been interviewed, creating a video archive of more than 2,000 hours of firsthand accounts of the ware. The Foundation’s Education Initiative curates a curriculum from this media content and uses it to preserve the legacy of those who sacrificed for us.
Proceeds from the sale of our special design will help support the journey of WWII veterans back to the battlefield of Pearl Harbor for the 80th anniversary.
Help us show our appreciation and admiration for their “righteous might.” We still believe in it, no matter how politically incorrect it may be today.
(This December, on the 80th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor, the foundation will bring another group of veterans back to their battlefield! Do your part to help support the journey of these heroes with our newest Limited Time Design before it’s Too Late!!!)
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