[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 176 (Tuesday, December 9, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2491-E2492]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING PEARL HARBOR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEVEN R. ROTHMAN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 8, 2003

  Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, 62 years ago yesterday, our nation was 
suddenly attacked by the Imperial Japanese Naval Forces and drawn into 
World War II. This unprovoked act of war killed 2,338 military 
personnel and civilians, and wounded 1,178. The attacks sank or heavily 
damaged 21 ships and destroyed or damaged 323 aircraft. December 7, 
1941 is a date which continues to live in infamy.
  Mr. Speaker, the brave servicemen and women who served that day are 
responsible for our presence here today. Sadly, on September 11, 2001, 
this nation tragically experienced another Pearl Harbor whereupon our 
nation again sacrificed innocent Americans who woke up that morning, 
entirely unaware that they would never see their loved ones again. 
During that most difficult time we drew strength and courage from those 
who served this great nation before and from the leaders who led this 
great nation through our darkest hours.
  On December 8, 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt addressed the 
nation and declared, ``no matter how long it may take us to overcome 
this premeditated invasion, the American people, in their righteous 
might, will win through to absolute victory.'' These are words that 
ring true today. On a day when many Americans feared for our nation, 
FDR's words of confidence, determination, and purpose did indeed carry 
this nation to absolute victory. Those same words will carry this 
nation to absolute victory once again as our brave men and women of the 
armed services are stationed in and around Iraq and Afghanistan 
fighting to preserve our freedom, security and democracy. Like those 
who served before, we are forever grateful for their courageous and 
heroic acts and we will never forget their sacrifices.

[[Page E2492]]

  On the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, we must remember 
the difficult times our brave servicemen and women went through to 
defend our nation, and we mourn the deaths of the military personnel 
and civilians who died that day. Mr. Speaker, today we must ensure that 
our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren learn about the 
lives of our veterans, including those of the Greatest Generation who 
served in World War II. Our commitment to our veterans must remain 
strong because they are a symbol of the greatness of our country.
  President Kennedy once said that you can judge a nation not just by 
the people--the men and women--that it produces, but also by the people 
that a nation remembers. Today, Mr. Speaker, we remember true heroes.

                          ____________________