President Franklin D. Roosevelt Quotes in Pearl Harbor (2001)

President Franklin D. Roosevelt: 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. It is obvious that planning the attack began many 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 military forces, I regret to tell you that over three thousand American lives have been lost. No matter how long it may take us to over come this pre-meditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory. Because of this unprovoked, dastardly attack by Japan, I ask that the congress declare a state of War.

General: Mr. President, with all due respect, sir... what you're asking can't be done.

[President struggles and gets out of wheelchair]

President Franklin D. Roosevelt: [serious tone] Do not tell me it can't be done.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt: I like sub commanders. They have no time for bullshit, and neither do I.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt: Gentlemen, most of you did not know me when I had the use of my legs. I was strong, and proud, and arrogant. Now I wonder, every hour of my life, why God put me into this chair. But when I see defeat in the eyes of my countrymen, in your eyes right now, I start to think that maybe He brought me down for times like these when we all need to be reminded who we truly are, that we will not give up or give in.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt: From the freedom-loving peoples of the United Nations to our merchant seaman on all the oceans goes our everlasting gratitude. With their aid, we shall build a bridge of ships to our allies, over which we will roll the implements of war. We shall see to it that men and materials will be delivered where they are needed and when they are needed. Nothing on land, in the air, on the sea, or under the sea shall prevent our complete and final victory.