Presidential Responses to Significant Attacks on America Two “cowardly”attacks on American soil that changed the lives of America forever. December 7, 1941, “a day that will live in infamy,” which Roosevelt said in his speech after the attack on Pearl Harbor. 9/11 a destructive attack on the World Trade Center that left fear in the hearts of Americans. President Bush and President Roosevelt’s speeches introduced the tone, purpose, and the audience. Both Roosevelt and Bush take a very serious tone during their speeches. Roosevelt was more commanding in his speech. He was angry at the way Japan declared war upon them. The United States of America was stunned at the actions of the Japanese Empire. Roosevelt called the attack on Pearl Harbor
