[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 168 (Thursday, December 6, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S12530]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    COMMEMORATING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ATTACK ON PEARL HARBOR

  Mr. DOMENICI. Madam President, I rise today to commemorate the 
selfless men and women who sacrificed so much to protect freedom during 
the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. On that fateful day, 2,403 
members of the Armed Forces lost their lives defending freedom. I 
salute the New Mexicans who were caught in that attack, and those who 
subsequently answered the call of their grateful nation to bear arms in 
its defense.
  Sixty years ago, the unwarranted attack by the Imperial Japanese Navy 
and Air Force on Pearl Harbor challenged the peace and well-being of 
this great Nation. However, the attack served as a catalyst, unifying 
this Nation and galvanizing the bravery of our people. With enormous 
self sacrifice and unbound patriotism, the ``greatest generation,'' 
those who lived and served during the Second World War, rose up to meet 
the challenge and overcame adversity.
  In the aftermath of September 11, this country is once again dealing 
with an unwarranted attack on our homeland and our freedom. As America 
commemorates the 60th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, we 
appreciate more than ever before the heroes of the past. The American 
people look to that generation's courage and heroism to find solace and 
inspiration for meeting the threats we face today. As Americans then 
used every avenue available--defense programs, universities and 
research institutions, the national laboratories, and an energized 
public--to win World War II, so too, must we be just as resourceful in 
fighting the war on terror.
  Today, just as then, our national laboratories play a vital role in 
the fight against terrorism. In my home State of New Mexico, the 
laboratories are contributing to help ensure domestic preparedness and 
security.
  The anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor reminds us of those who 
paid the ultimate price to protect our Nation, even as brave Americans 
are paying that price today in the war on terror. I am honored to pay 
tribute to those who served, and are serving, in the defense of this 
great Nation.

                          ____________________