National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2008

Proclamation 8326 of December 5, 2008

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2008

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

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.