WWII

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I try to write about three times per week. Most of it is pretty good and will probably help you grow your business. If it doesn't, then I probably can't help you.

You can use a traditional RSS Feedreader with this fancy-dancy link. I think this approach is harder but if you want to do it the hard way, who am I to say otherwise?

You can use a traditional RSS Feedreader with this fancy-dancy link. I think this approach is harder but if you want to do it the hard way, who am I to say otherwise?

December 7, 1941

posted this on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at about 11am.
Japanese Planes ready attack for Pearl Harbor

At 7:55am on December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii was attacked by Japanese forces. Skill in planning by the Japanese and complacency of the United States military contributed to the fact that it was a complete and utter surprise.

I enjoy learning about WWII history and always think about Pearl Harbor on December 7th each year.

I think there are lessons that we can and should learn from the past. Too often we don’t take the time to remember the past.

The take away lesson from today, that I have, is that you can’t always negotiate your peace. Sometimes there are forces that are intent on taking what you have… no matter the consequence. It’s not usually done by force of war, as is the case with the Japanese 70 years ago today, but we see this behavior on a daily basis in business, politics and life in general.

It’s up to us to actively look for the signs and objectively decide how we will prepare against the coming challenges.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt (December 8, 1941):

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.

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