Day of Infamy Speech by FDR

World War II has always interested me. It was fascinating listening to FDR ask Congress to declare war on the Empire of Japan.

FDR's voice was strong and steady in the deliveration of the speech. The longer the speech ran, the stronger his emotion could be heard. By the middle of the speech, as he was speaking of all the places Japan had attacked, you could sense the emotion of disgust in FDR's voice.

This was a very powerful speech. FDR addressed Japan's deception of peace towards the United States. He declared they gave us a false hope of peace while fully intending to attack Pearl Harbor. He began to speak with more intensity as he stated that America will rise to victory. At this point in the speech, the emotions of Congress were high. They erupted into lengthy applause. After the applause dies down, FDR's voice returned to a softer tone. This allowed him to build momentum as he pressed towards the end of the speech. The culmination of the speech was the asking of Congress to declare a state of war with Japan. His words were short, firm, loud and full of emotion. The words were met again with lengthy applause.

The speech was given at a time of intense emotion for the United States. FDR was able to take his emotion, reign it in with clarity, and inspire a country.

It would have been great to have seen FDR deliver the speech.

Will Sexton

http://youtube.com/watch?v=9uCGxk-v-Mc