Chris Calle (American, B. 1961) "WWII - U.S. Declares War on Japan" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was used on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 29c U.S. Declares War on Japan, December 8 stamp issued September 3, 1991. "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." With these immortal words, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt appeared before a joint session of Congress on December 8, 1941. In a pointed, moving speech, Roosevelt, drawn and haggard from a night with little sleep, continued: "I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire." Only thirty-three minutes later, Congress passed a declaration of war with Japan. That same day, a resolute FDR signed the declaration and America entered the Second World War. Surprisingly, Roosevelt's words were a little different in the first draft of the Congress message. After the initial draft, the words "... a date which will live in world history" were changed to the famous and more powerful "... a date which will live in infamy. Regardless, the effect of the attack and Roosevelt's speech was unforgettable: Recruiting stations were packed with men wishing to enter the Armed Forces and angry cries for revenge swept across the country. From that day forward, Americans would not rest in their drive to free the world. Image Size: 16.5 x 12 in. Overall Size: 23.25 x 20 in. Unframed. (B13108)