09 December 2002
Bush Says Pearl Harbor Inspires U.S. in War Against Terror
(Presidential Proclamation on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day) (540)
President Bush recalled the Japanese surprise attack on U.S. forces at
Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941 in his Presidential Proclamation of 2002
saying that their "courage in battle continues to inspire us today as
our Armed Forces fight against terrorism in Afghanistan and around the
world."
(begin text)
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
December 6, 2002
NATIONAL PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE DAY, 2002
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Early on a quiet Sunday morning on December 7, 1941, aircraft of the
Empire of Japan, without provocation or warning, attacked the United
States forces at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. More than 2,400 Americans died
that day and another 1,100 were wounded, in what was the start of a
long and terrible war against the forces of fascism, tyranny, and
imperialism.
Out of that surprise attack grew a steadfast resolve to defend the
freedoms on which our Nation was founded. From the ruins of Pearl
Harbor, America built the strongest Navy in the world and emerged as a
superpower to lead a coalition of allies to victory over evil in World
War II. Our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines fought and won many
crucial battles, defeating history's most powerful tyranny. Our Nation
must always remember the heroism, dedication, and sacrifice of those
who served. Their courage in battle continues to inspire us today as
our Armed Forces fight against terrorism in Afghanistan and around the
world.
The men and women who fought for America at Pearl Harbor not only
protected our Nation, but also helped to shape its character. Nine
Americans who fell had Navy ships named after them, and 15 men earned
the Medal of Honor for bravery, with 10 of them awarded the Medal
posthumously. As we remember the lost on what President Franklin
Delano Roosevelt called "a date which will live in infamy," I
encourage our veterans to share their experiences with our youth so
that new generations can learn about this important moment in our
history.
Today, we salute our veterans of Pearl Harbor and World War II, whose
sacrifices saved democracy during a dark hour. In their memory, a new
generation of our Armed Forces goes forward against new enemies in a
new era. Once again, we pledge to defend freedom, secure our homeland,
and advance peace around the world. Americans have been tested before,
and our Nation will triumph again.
The Congress, by Public Law 103-308, as amended, has designated
December 7, 2002, as "National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2002, 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 and every
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 sixth day of
December, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-seventh.
GEORGE W. BUSH
(end text)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
|
NEWSLETTER
|
|
Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list
|
|
|
