National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2007

Proclamation 8209 of December 4, 2007

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2007

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On December 7, 1941, our Nation was viciously attacked
at Pearl Harbor, America's Pacific Fleet was battered
and broken, and more than 2,400 American lives were
lost. On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, America
honors those brave individuals who made the ultimate
sacrifice in defense of our homeland, and we recognize
those veterans who with strength and resolve defended
our Nation and advanced the cause of freedom during
World War II.

When it mattered most, an entire generation of
Americans stepped forward to protect our freedom and to
defend liberty. Their devotion to duty and willingness
to serve a cause greater than self helped secure our
future and our way of life. Liberty prevailed because
of the sacrifice of these courageous patriots, and
America and her allies preserved a world where
democracy could flourish. Our Nation remains forever in
the debt of these brave Americans.

From the unprovoked attack at Pearl Harbor grew a
steadfast resolve that has made America a defender of
freedom around the world, and our mission continues as
our men and women in uniform serve at home and in
distant lands. Today, as we defend our Nation's
founding ideals, we pay special tribute to those who
lost their lives at Pearl Harbor, honor our veterans of
World War II, and celebrate the liberty that makes
America a lasting symbol of hope to the world.

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, 2007, 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
fourth day of December, in the year of our Lord two
thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.