[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 134 (Thursday, December 7, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H8892]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
PEARL HARBOR--``LEST WE FORGET''
(Mr. POE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1
minute.)
Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, West Virginia, California, Oklahoma, Tennessee,
Utah, Maryland, Nevada, Arizona. These were fierce U.S. naval
battleships whose silent guns and hulls became sacred graves in the
peaceful Pacific for 2,403 Americans.
These sailors on board these battle wagons fought with the courage
and heroism of entire legions of warriors when attacked by a fanatical
and tyrannical enemy.
``December 7, 1941, a date that will live in infamy'' were words
spoken by President Roosevelt that became forever embedded in the minds
of patriots across our land, igniting and launching a Nation into the
fiery trenches of battle.
Japanese naval commanders were concerned because they said, ``What
Japan has done was awake a sleeping giant,'' the United States.
Mr. Speaker, those of the greatest generation proved that when
invaded, our people will stand up and fight, bringing the thunder of
God upon our enemies. Defending freedom and liberty was the battle cry
of the sailors and soldiers that died 65 years ago today.
Mr. Speaker, we don't always choose war, but we must always choose
victory. And that's just the way it is.
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