1941 FDR “Day of Infamy” Speech – ORIGINAL Press Release Copy
Offered here is an original December 8, 1941 press release copy of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s historic “Day of Infamy” address, delivered to Congress the day after the Attack on Pearl Harbor.
This speech marked the formal entry of the United States into World War II and remains one of the most famous presidential addresses in American history .
DOCUMENT DETAILS
Date: December 8, 1941
Format: Original typed press release (2 pages)
Header: “HOLD FOR RELEASE”
Confidential notation prior to delivery
Release timing: ~12:30 PM EST
Issued by: Stephen Early (Secretary to the President)
Includes the iconic opening line:
“a date which will live in infamy…”
CONDITION
Original 1941 paper stock
Moderate age toning and fold lines
Light edge wear consistent with age
Fully legible, complete, and intact
No major tears or losses
(See photos for full condition details)
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Delivered just hours after the Pearl Harbor attack
Immediately preceded Congress declaring war
One of the most recognizable speeches in U.S. history
Broadcast to over 80% of Americans at the time
This example represents a contemporaneous press-issued version, used for media distribution at the moment the nation entered WWII.
Offered here is an original December 8, 1941 press release copy of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s historic “Day of Infamy” address, delivered to Congress the day after the Attack on Pearl Harbor.
This speech marked the formal entry of the United States into World War II and remains one of the most famous presidential addresses in American history .
DOCUMENT DETAILS
Date: December 8, 1941
Format: Original typed press release (2 pages)
Header: “HOLD FOR RELEASE”
Confidential notation prior to delivery
Release timing: ~12:30 PM EST
Issued by: Stephen Early (Secretary to the President)
Includes the iconic opening line:
“a date which will live in infamy…”
CONDITION
Original 1941 paper stock
Moderate age toning and fold lines
Light edge wear consistent with age
Fully legible, complete, and intact
No major tears or losses
(See photos for full condition details)
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Delivered just hours after the Pearl Harbor attack
Immediately preceded Congress declaring war
One of the most recognizable speeches in U.S. history
Broadcast to over 80% of Americans at the time
This example represents a contemporaneous press-issued version, used for media distribution at the moment the nation entered WWII.