National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2006

Proclamation 8089 of December 1, 2006

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2006

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Sixty-five years ago, more than 2,400 Americans lost
their lives in a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. On
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we think of
those who died on December 7, 1941, and honor all those
who sacrificed for our liberty during World War II.

On that peaceful Sunday morning, our country suffered a
vicious, unprovoked attack that changed the course of
history. Though our Pacific Fleet was nearly destroyed,
our citizens were inspired by the great acts of heroism
from those who survived and from those who did not. In
the days that followed, our grief turned to resolution,
and America embarked on a mission to defeat two of the
most ruthless regimes the world has ever known. We
pledge to always remember the character and sacrifice
of the brave individuals at Pearl Harbor. Their
selfless service helped deliver a great victory for the
cause of freedom and, ultimately, transformed
adversaries into the closest of friends.

After the devastating attacks on Pearl Harbor,
President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared, ``We are
going to win the war and we are going to win the peace
that follows.'' In the 21st century, freedom is again
under attack, and young Americans have stepped forward
to serve in a global war on terror that will secure our
liberty and determine the destiny of millions around
the world. Like generations before, we will answer
history's call with confidence, confront threats to our
way of life, and build a more peaceful world for our
children and grandchildren.

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, 2006, 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
first day of December, in the year of our Lord two
thousand six, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.