December 8th, 1941America enters World War Ⅱ as Congress declares war on Japan, a day after its attack on Pearl Harbor. President Franklin D. Roosevelt tells lawmakers during a joint session in Washington. “With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determinations of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph, so help us God.” Days later, the US declares war on Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy after Japan’s axis partners declare war on America.

And 1980“Imagine all the people, living life in peace”

Shock and grief around the world after the murder of a music icon in New York. Rock star John Lennon, former member of the Beatles, is shot to death outside his apartment building. His killer, Mark David Chapman, an apparently deranged fan. Lennon was 40 years old.

Today in History, December 8th, Camille Bohannon, the Associated Press.