[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 138 (Tuesday, December 7, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S11887]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 REMEMBRANCE OF ATTACK ON PEARL HARBOR

  Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, today marks the sixty-third 
anniversary of the horrific attacks on Pearl Harbor, HI, the first 
major attack on American soil by a foreign enemy since British troops 
set fire to the White House and the Capitol Building in the War of 
1812. It was 60 years later, September 11, 2001, before the next attack 
took place on American soil. Pearl Harbor will always be remembered as 
the first incident to shock the collective psyche of our Nation out of 
its complacency.
  Whether it could be classified as a terrorist act or otherwise, the 
attack on Pearl Harbor claimed the lives of 2,403 American servicemen. 
This event, perpetrated by a people who have long since reconciled 
their differences with America and the world, is a reminder to all of 
us of the sacrifices made by millions of individuals during this time 
of national peril. Their selfless actions and incredible courage in the 
face of extreme personal risk helped to ensure that the freedoms which 
are the bedrock of our country were preserved. We honor the memory of 
our countrymen who sacrificed their own lives, so others could live, 
and the families who lost loved ones in the attack. And we honor the 
survivors of Pearl Harbor, including the roughly 6,000 who are still 
alive today. We must never forget any of these brave Americans.

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