[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 73 (Thursday, May 24, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E934]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                              PEARL HARBOR

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JACK QUINN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 24, 2001

  Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, as all Americans prepare to celebrate the 
Memorial Day weekend, I think it is appropriate for all of us to take 
some time and reflect on the sacrifice that those men and women, past 
and present, who served our country have made. This weekend, the movie 
Pearl Harbor will open throughout the Nation. Once again, Americans of 
all ages will be reminded of this tragedy, as well as the bravery and 
courage our service men and women demonstrated.
  President Franklin Roosevelt declared it, ``A day that will live in 
infamy.'' In the pre-dawn hours of December 7, 1941, the United States 
Pacific Fleet was destroyed by a sneak attack of the Japanese Imperial 
Army. Nearly 2400 military and civilian lives were lost as a result of 
the surprise attack and more than 1000 were wounded. The attack forced 
the United States into World War II, and was the first time the United 
States had been directly attacked since the War of 1812. It is a moment 
that is forever frozen in our Nation's consciousness.
  I have introduced a bill, H.R. 157, that would designate December 7th 
as a Federal holiday. This legislation would serve as not only a 
tribute to those men and women who served and lost their lives at Pearl 
Harbor, but also all those who defended and fought for our Nation 
during World War II.
  This week, Congress gave final approval to the much-anticipated World 
War II Memorial on the Mall, and this would be a fitting companion.
  I hope all Members will join me in celebrating the memory and 
sacrifice of these brave Americans by co-sponsoring H.R. 157.

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