The phrase “A date which will live in infamy” is a famous quote from one of the most significant speeches made by Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, on December 8, 1941. This article aims to explain the meaning behind this phrase and provide examples of its usage.
Historical Context
On December 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, a US naval base located in Hawaii. The attack resulted in the deaths of 2,403 Americans and caused significant damage to the US Pacific Fleet. The following day, President Roosevelt delivered a speech to a joint session of Congress, asking for a declaration of war against Japan. It was during this speech that he used the phrase “A date which will live in infamy.”
Meaning of “A date which will live in infamy”
The phrase “A date which will live in infamy” refers to an event of great significance or importance that will be remembered for a long time. It suggests that the event is so impactful that it will continue to be talked about and studied for generations to come.
In the context of Roosevelt’s speech, he used the phrase to describe the attack on Pearl Harbor as a momentous event in American history. He emphasized that the attack had not only resulted in significant loss of life and damage but also violated the principles of peace and humanity. By using such strong language, Roosevelt aimed to rally the American people and unite them in their resolve to defend their country.
Examples of Usage
Since Roosevelt’s speech, the phrase “A date which will live in infamy” has been used in various contexts to describe similar events that have had a lasting impact on society. Here are some examples:
September 11 attacks
Following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, President George W. Bush used the phrase to describe the event in a speech to Congress. He said, “On September the 11th, enemies of freedom committed an act of war against our country. Americans have known wars, but for the past 136 years they have been wars on foreign soil, except for one Sunday in 1941. Americans have known the casualties of war, but not at the center of a great city on a peaceful morning. We have known surprise attacks, but never before on thousands of civilians.”
Boston Marathon bombing
After the Boston Marathon bombing on April 15, 2013, President Barack Obama used the phrase in a speech to the nation. He said, “This was a heinous and cowardly act. And given what we now know about what took place, the FBI is investigating it as an act of terrorism. Anytime bombs are used to target innocent civilians, it is an act of terror. What we don’t yet know, however, is who carried out this attack or why. Whether it was planned and executed by a terrorist organization, foreign or domestic, or was the act of a malevolent individual. That’s what we don’t yet know. And clearly, we’re at the beginning of our investigation. It will take time to follow every lead and determine what happened. But we will find out. We will find whoever harmed our citizens and we will bring them to justice. (Pause.) Again, we don’t yet have all the answers. But we do know that multiple people have been wounded, some gravely, in explosions at the Boston Marathon. I’ve spoken to FBI Director Mueller and Secretary of Homeland Security Napolitano, and they’re mobilizing the appropriate resources to investigate and to respond.”
Assassination of John F. Kennedy
In his eulogy for President John F. Kennedy, Senator Ted Kennedy used the phrase to describe the assassination of his brother. He said, “My brother need not be idealized or enlarged in death beyond what he was in life, to be remembered simply as a good and decent man, who saw wrong and tried to right it, saw suffering and tried to heal it, saw war and tried to stop it. Those of us who loved him and who take him to his rest today, pray that what he was to us and what he wished for others will some day come to pass for all the world. As he said many times, in many parts of this nation, to those he touched and who sought to touch him: ‘Some men see things as they are and say why. I dream things that never were and say why not.’ (Pause.) This last year has been a time of great challenge and achievement for our country. We have been compelled to work hard in many areas, to do things we did not like to do, to go places we did not like to go. The cost has been high in discomfort, in disappointment, and in personal sacrifice. And yet we have achieved much.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the phrase “A date which will live in infamy” has become a powerful symbol of significant events that have had a lasting impact on society. Roosevelt used it to describe the attack on Pearl Harbor, but it has since been used to describe other tragic and defining moments in history.
These events remind us of the importance of unity and resolve in times of crisis. They also serve as a warning against the dangers of complacency and the need for vigilance in defending our values and way of life.
As we remember these events, let us honor the sacrifice of those who lost their lives and strive to build a brighter future for ourselves and future generations.