77 Years
December 7, 1941
In Pearly Harbor, Haywaii, the security of Equestria was suddenly shattered as the majority of the Equestrian Navy was sunk in the harbor. It was almost completely destroyed. In Canterlot, the word came all to late that Neighpan was attacking for the princesses to act. By the time they did the battle was over. It shocked princess Celestia to her core and she called an immediate emergency meeting with the EUP Council for the next morning.
December 8, 1941
A family of ponies gather around their radio and tune into the news. They do it every day and today is a broadcast they want to hear. The radio crackles to life and a stallion's voice comes out.
"We now take you to Canterlot Palace where Princess Celestia is about to address the council and other members of the government on the events of yesterday morning."
The radio then broadcasts the voice of the princess from the council chamber in Canterlot Castle.
"Sister, Ms. Speaker, members of the Council. Yesterday, December 7, 1941, is a date which will live in infamy. The United Reichs of Equestria was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Neighpan. The United Reichs was at peace with that nation, and at the solicitation of Neighpan, was still in conversations, with its government and its emperor, looking towards the maintenance of peace in the Luna Ocean. Indeed, one hour after Neighpanes air squadrons had commenced bombing in the Equestrian island of Oahu the Neighpanes ambassador to the United Reichs and his associate delivered to our Secretary of State, a formal reply to a recent Equestrian message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Haywaii from Neighpan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Neighpanes government has deliberately sought to deceive the United Reichs by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday, on the Haywaiian island has caused severe damage to Equestrian naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many Equestrian lives have been lost. In addition Equestrian ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between Sand Frondcisco and Horseolulu.
Yesterday, the Neighpanes government also launched an attack against Malaya. Last night Neighpanes forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night Neighpanes forces attacked Guam. Last night Neighpanes forces attacked the Fillyppine Islands. Last night the Neighpanes attacked Wake Island. And this morning, the Neighpanes attacked Midday Island. The Neighpanes have therefore undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Luna Ocean area.
The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The ponies of the United Reichs have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very light and safety of our nation.
As Commander-n-Chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense, but always, will our whole nation, remember the character of the onslaught against us.
No matter how long it may take us, to over come this premeditative invasion, the Equestrian ponies in their righteous might shall win through to absolute victory."
A massive thundering of hooves could be heard through the cheering over the radio. When it died down the princess continued.
"I believe that I interpret the will of the Council and of the ponies when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the utter most, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our ponies, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger. With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our ponies, we will gain the inevitable triumph, so help us Faust.
I ask that the Council declare, that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Neighpan on Sunday, December 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United Reichs and the Neighpanes Empire."
The family turned off their radio in disbelief. Equestria was at war. The father then stood up and galloped out of the house. A few days later, his family waved goodbye and he and many others from their small town marched off to go to war. It was the same across Equestria. Hundreds of ponies were drafted or enlisted within the first few days and factories and shipyards roared to life producing ships, tanks, and guns. Equestria had awoken from her slumber and was about to show Germaney and Neighpan just what it could do.