"Day of Infamy"

One-of-a-kind original press release from FDR's December 8th, 1941, speech

An original Confidential Press Release copy of FDR’s “A Date Which Will Live In Infamy” speech December 8, 1941 to the Congress of the United States which was followed 35 minutes later by a Declaration of War with the Empire of Japan.  It is one of the most important speeches ever given by a President and is considered a Milestone Document by the National Archives.  

No other original Press Release copy is known to exist in private hands.

This Press Release was produced at a time when there were fewer White House correspondents compared to hundreds today…..and more importantly when journalists were trusted to keep secrets!

FDR’s reading copy is located in the National Archives,  The typewritten draft is housed at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library in Hyde Park, NY.

Titled:  HOLD FOR RELEASE.  CONFIDENTIAL: To be held in STRICT CONFIDENCE and no portion, synopsis or intimation to be published or given out until delivery of the President’s message to the congress HAS BEGUN.

Release expected about 12:30 P.M., E.S.T., December 8, 1941.

CAUTION :  Extreme care must be exercised to avoid premature publication.

STEPHEN EARLY

Secretary to the President