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(see below) in the Oval Office of the White House.
With him for the signing Friday, Dec. 5, 2008, are
from left: Pearl Harbor Survivor Jay Groff; George Sullivan, Chairman, Arizona
Memorial Museum Association; Secretary Donald Winter, U.S. Department of the
Navy; Gen. James "Hoss" Cartwright, Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff;
Secretary James Peake, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and Secretary Dirk
Kempthorne, U.S. Department of the Interior.
White House photo by Eric Draper |
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A Proclamation by the President of
the United States of America
White House News
On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we mourn the more than 2,400 Americans
whose lives were lost in the surprise attack on our homeland that changed the
course of history. Their service and sacrifice and the service and sacrifice of
all our World War II veterans will be forever honored on this day by the
citizens of a free and grateful Nation.
On December 7, 1941, the enemy nearly destroyed our Pacific Fleet, and the
United States was forced into a long and terrible war. A generation of Americans
stepped forward to fight for our country. Their message to America's enemies was
clear: If you attack this country and harm our people, there is no corner of the
Earth remote enough to protect you from the reach of our Nation's Armed Forces.
Following the war the United States worked to make our most bitter enemies into
our closest friends through the transformative power of freedom. The joys of
liberty are often secured by the sacrifices of those who serve a cause greater
than self. To honor and recognize the sacrifice of our Armed Forces, I have
designated nine sites as the World War II Valor in the Pacific National
Monument. This monument will preserve our history and help share this heritage
with future generations. On this anniversary, we honor the heroes who risked and
lost their lives for our security and freedom. Their selfless dedication
exemplifies the great character of America and continues to inspire our Nation.
The Congress, by Public Law 103-308, as amended, has designated December 7 of
each year as "National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do
hereby proclaim December 7, 2008, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. I
encourage all Americans to observe this solemn occasion with appropriate
ceremonies and activities. I urge all Federal agencies and interested
organizations, groups, and individuals to fly the flag of the United States at
half-staff this December 7 in honor of those who died as a result of their
service at Pearl Harbor.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of December, in
the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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