National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2003

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Part III

The President

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Proclamation 7742--National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2003

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7742 of December 5, 2003

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2003

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

More than 60 years ago, President Franklin Delano
Roosevelt told Americans that December 7, 1941, was ``a
date which will live in infamy.'' On that morning,
America was attacked without warning and without
provocation. More than 2,400 Americans died and 1,100
were wounded. Our country was changed forever.
Following that attack, our citizens responded with the
strength and resolve that characterizes America in
times of adversity, and that same spirit and courage
carried us to victory in World War II. On National
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we honor the lives lost
in that attack and salute the veterans of World War II.
We also pay tribute to all those now serving America to
advance freedom around the world.

The USS ARIZONA Memorial in Honolulu, Hawaii, stands as
a monument to that ship's 1,177 crew members who died
as a result of the attack. Since the Memorial's
dedication, more than 40 million visitors have honored
the heroism of these brave sailors and marines. Laura
and I had the opportunity to visit the Memorial in
October of this year. It is a fitting tribute to the
lives lost in defense of our freedom during the
greatest global conflict in history.

America's liberty is sustained by the courage of the
American people. Every generation of Americans has
answered the call to protect the blessings of freedom
and democracy. With the help of our friends and allies,
the brave men and women of our Armed Forces are now
engaged in a global war on terrorism. And as in the
aftermath of the terrible attack on Pearl Harbor, our
Nation will stay the course, and we will prevail.

The Congress, by Public Law 103-308, as amended, has
designated December 7, 2003, as ``National Pearl Harbor
Remembrance Day.''

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim December
7, 2003, 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
fifth day of December, in the year of our Lord two
thousand three, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth.

(Presidential Sig.)B