National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2002

Proclamation 7633 of 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.

(Presidential Sig.)B