For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 5, 2003
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2003
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
More than 60 years ago, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt told
Americans that December 7, 1941, was "a date which will live in
infamy." On that morning, America was attacked without warning and
without provocation. More than 2,400 Americans died and 1,100 were
wounded. Our country was changed forever. Following that attack, our
citizens responded with the strength and resolve that characterizes
America in times of adversity, and that same spirit and courage carried
us to victory in World War II. On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance
Day, we honor the lives lost in that attack and salute the veterans of
World War II. We also pay tribute to all those now serving America to
advance freedom around the world.
The USS ARIZONA Memorial in Honolulu, Hawaii, stands as a monument
to that ship's 1,177 crew members who died as a result of the attack.
Since the Memorial's dedication, more than 40 million visitors have
honored the heroism of these brave sailors and marines. Laura and I
had the opportunity to visit the Memorial in October of this year. It
is a fitting tribute to the lives lost in defense of our freedom during
the greatest global conflict in history.
America's liberty is sustained by the courage of the American
people. Every generation of Americans has answered the call to protect
the blessings of freedom and democracy. With the help of our friends
and allies, the brave men and women of our Armed Forces are now engaged
in a global war on terrorism. And as in the aftermath of the terrible
attack on Pearl Harbor, our Nation will stay the course, and we will
prevail.
The Congress, by Public Law 103-308, as amended, has designated
December 7, 2003, as "National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2003, 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, 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 three, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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