[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 16]
[House]
[Pages 23029-23033]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                 NATIONAL PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE DAY

  Mr. BARR of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
concur in the Senate concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 44) expressing 
the sense of the Congress regarding National Pearl Harbor Remembrance 
Day.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                            S. Con. Res. 44

       Whereas on December 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy and 
     Air Force attacked units of the Armed Forces of the United 
     States stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii;
       Whereas 2,403 members of the Armed Forces of the United 
     States were killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor;
       Whereas there are more than 12,000 members of the Pearl 
     Harbor Survivors Association;
       Whereas the 60th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor 
     will be December 7, 2001;
       Whereas on August 23, 1994, Public Law 103-308 was enacted, 
     designating December 7 of each year as National Pearl Harbor 
     Remembrance Day; and
       Whereas Public Law 103-308, reenacted as section 129 of 
     title 36, United States Code, requests the President to issue 
     each year a proclamation calling on the people of the United 
     States to observe National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day with 
     appropriate ceremonies and activities, and all departments, 
     agencies, and instrumentalities of the Federal Government, 
     and interested organizations, groups, and individuals, to fly 
     the flag of the United States at half-staff each December 7 
     in honor of the individuals who died as a result of their 
     service at Pearl Harbor: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring), That the Congress, on the occasion of the 60th 
     anniversary of December 7, 1941, pays tribute to--
       (1) the United States citizens who died as a result of the 
     attack by Japanese Imperial Forces on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; 
     and
       (2) the service of the American sailors and soldiers who 
     survived the attack.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Barr) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Barr).


                             General Leave

  Mr. BARR of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend 
their remarks on S. Con. Res. 44.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Georgia?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. BARR of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of Senate Concurrent 
Resolution 44. On November 15, the Senate agreed to this resolution 
which expresses the sense of the United States Congress regarding 
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
  This important piece of legislation recognizes that December 7, 2001, 
is the 60th anniversary of the Japanese sneak attack on Pearl Harbor. 
The resolution pays tribute to the United States citizens who died as a 
result of the attack by Japanese Imperial Forces on Pearl Harbor, 
Hawaii, and acknowledges the service of the American sailors and 
soldiers who survived the attack.
  On May 21, 2001, the House of Representatives passed a similar 
measure. While the language in this resolution does not differ 
materially from the resolution which the House passed last May, the 
environment in which we legislate today is starkly different.
  On September 11, hostile alien forces again attacked this Nation. 
This time the attacker was not a nation but rather members of an evil 
movement that would use terrorism to destroy Western civilization 
itself. The death toll from these September 11 terrorist attacks were 
overwhelmingly civilian and far exceed the death toll of the sneak 
attack on Pearl Harbor 60 years ago.
  As a result of these latest attacks, America's Armed Forces are once 
again engaged in conflict in distant lands. They are in Afghanistan and 
neighboring countries and surrounding areas to protect the United 
States, and indeed the world, from terrorism.
  As these young men and women place themselves at risk to protect our 
freedom and our way of life, it is especially appropriate for Congress 
and the Nation to honor those who died at Pearl Harbor 60 years ago and 
those who survived the attack.
  Today, necessarily, and unfortunately, we have a much deeper 
understanding, a more immediate understanding of the sacrifices made 60 
years ago. We have a more vital appreciation for the horrors they 
endured on that day of infamy.
  I urge all Members to support this resolution.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
might consume.
  Madam Speaker, at 7:53 a.m. on December 7, 1941, the Japanese 
Imperial navy attacked the island of Oahu, Hawaii, now infamously known 
as Pearl Harbor. Approximately 100 ships of the U.S. Navy were present 
that morning, consisting of battleships, destroyers, cruisers and 
various support ships.
  By 1:00 p.m. the Japanese carriers that launched the planes from 274 
miles off the coast of Oahu were heading back to Japan. Behind them 
they left chaos: 2,403 dead, 188 destroyed planes and a crippled 
Pacific Fleet that included eight damaged or destroyed battleships.
  Battleships moored along Battleship Row were the primary target of 
the attack's first wave. Ten minutes after the beginning of the attack, 
a bomb crashed through the USS Arizona's two armored decks, igniting 
its magazine. The explosion ripped the ship's sides open, and fire 
engulfed the entire ship. Within minutes, the ship sank to the bottom, 
taking 1,300 lives with her. The sunken ship remains as a memorial to 
those who sacrificed their lives during this attack.
  Let me take a moment to read an excerpt of Marine Corporal E.C. 
Nightingale's account of that Sunday morning as he was leaving the 
breakfast table aboard the USS Arizona.
  ``I reached the boat deck and our anti-aircraft guns were in full 
action, firing very rapidly. I was about three-quarters of the way to 
the first platform on the mast when it seemed as

[[Page 23030]]

though a bomb struck our quarter deck. I could hear shrapnel or 
fragments whistling past me. As soon as I reached the first platform, I 
saw Second Lieutenant Simonson lying on his back with blood on his 
shirt front. I bent over him and taking him by the shoulders asked if 
there was anything I could do. He was dead or so nearly that speech was 
impossible.''

                              {time}  1615

  This resolution calls on Congress, on the 60th anniversary of Pearl 
Harbor, to pay tribute to those who not only died in the attack, but 
those like Corporal Nightingale who survived that fatal Sunday morning.
  And like my dear friend, Orlandis Dixon, who was also at Pearl Harbor 
and survived, I take this opportunity to pay tribute to all of the men 
and women who have put their lives on the line consistently to protect 
and promote the most desirable features of our way of life, especially 
the Crispus Attucks Post, Milton Olive Post, George Giles Post, 
Tuskegee Airmen and Triple Nickle of the 101st Airborne, all of whom I 
interact with on a regular and ongoing basis.
  To listen to these men and women recount their experiences causes one 
to have a new level of understanding and appreciation for the 
sacrifices made by our Armed Forces. So I join in strong support of 
this resolution and urge that all Members would vote favorably for it.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BARR of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Weller), the sponsor of this resolution.
  Mr. WELLER. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me this 
time and for his help in bringing this important initiative to the 
House floor, as well as the efforts of the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. 
Davis). I wish to also recognize that it has also been approved in the 
Senate.
  December 7 of this year will be the 60th anniversary of the attack on 
Pearl Harbor. For those of us in our generation, of course we now have 
September 11, 2001, as a day that we will always remember of how it 
changed our lives and how it changed our country. For our grandparents 
and parents, their generations had Pearl Harbor, a day which we wish to 
commemorate and remember those who fought and who lost their lives on 
that fateful day December 7, 1941, a day which cost the lives of 2,403 
military and civilian citizens of the United States.
  Let me quickly review what occurred on that day. Earlier, on November 
26, the Japanese attack fleet of 33 warships and auxiliary craft, 
including six aircraft carriers, sailed from northern Japan for the 
Hawaiian Islands. By early morning on December 7, 1941, the ships had 
reached their launch position 230 miles north of Oahu. The night 
before, some 10 miles outside the entrance to Pear Harbor, five Midget 
submarines, carrying two crewmen and two torpedoes each, were launched 
from larger mother submarines.
  130 vessels of the U.S. Pacific fleets were in Pearl Harbor on 
December 7. The first wave of Japanese aircraft arrived over their 
target areas shortly before 7:55 a.m. The commander of the Japanese 
fleet sent the coded messages ``To To To'' and ``Tora, Tora, Tora,'' 
telling the fleet the attack had begun and that complete surprise had 
been achieved.
  At approximately 8:10 a.m., the USS Arizona exploded, having been hit 
by a 1,760 pound armor-piercing bomb that slammed through her deck, 
igniting her forward ammunition magazine. And as my friend from 
Illinois noted, she sank fairly quickly and now remains as an 
everlasting memorial in Pearl Harbor.
  Later, in the attack, the USS Oklahoma, hit by several torpedoes, 
rolled over, trapping 400 men inside. The USS California and the USS 
West Virginia sank at their moorings, while the USS Utah, converted to 
a training ship, capsized with over 50 of her crew.
  The USS Maryland, the USS Pennsylvania, and the USS Tennessee all 
suffered significant damage. The USS Nevada attempted to run out to 
sea, but took several hits and had to be beached to avoid sinking and 
blocking the harbor entrance.
  After a lull at about 8:40 a.m., the second wave of attacking planes 
focused on continuing the destruction inside the harbor, destroying the 
USS Shaw, the USS Sotoyomo, a dry dock, and heavily damaging the 
Nevada, forcing her aground.
  They also attacked Hickam and Kaneohe air fields, causing heavy loss 
of life and reducing American ability to retaliate. Luckily, American 
carriers were not in port at the time of attack. The shipyards, fuel 
storage areas, and submarine base suffered no more than slight damage.
  Unfortunately, 2,403 military personnel and civilians were lost in 
the attack. And, today, we must not forget. As we approach this 60th 
anniversary of Pearl Harbor, it is important that we remember.
  As a sponsor of this Sense of Congress Resolution that commemorates 
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, I want to thank my colleagues 
and urge bipartisan support. In the 103rd Congress, December 7 was 
designated National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Unfortunately, it 
never seems to get the attention that it deserves.
  Passing this resolution, recognizing this important day, helps better 
promote our memories of the impact of Pearl Harbor on those who lost 
their lives. It will remind citizens that national Pearl Harbor 
Remembrance Day should be marked with appropriate ceremonies and 
activities and that flags should be flown at half staff.
  Today, there are over 12,000 members of the Pearl Harbor Survivors 
Association; but I would like to acknowledge the efforts of Mr. Richard 
Foltynewicz of Ottawa, Illinois, a leader of the Pearl Harbor Survivors 
Association, who first brought this issue to my attention years ago.
  Today, my colleagues, let us honor those who survived as well as 
those who lost their lives in defense of our freedoms on December 7, 
1941, by passing this Sense of Congress Resolution commemorating 
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and recognizing that it occurred 
60 years ago, and, today, we recognize the 60th anniversary of the 
attack on Pearl Harbor.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may 
consume to the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega).
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I would very much like to commend 
the chairman of the committee, the gentleman from Georgia, and my good 
friend, the ranking member, the gentleman from Illinois, for their 
leadership in bringing this legislation to the floor.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in support of Senate Concurrent Resolution 44, 
which underscores Congress' strong support of National Pearl Harbor 
Remembrance Day and pays tribute to the United States citizens who died 
in the attack and the surviving American service members, many of whom 
belong to the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association.
  I deeply commend the authors of this important legislation, Senator 
Fitzgerald of Illinois and Senator Smith from New Hampshire, and the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Weller), who introduced the House 
counterpart, House Concurrent Resolution 56, which was adopted earlier 
this year in May.
  Madam Speaker, as the resolution properly notes, this December 7th 
will mark the 60th anniversary of Japan's deadly surprise attack on 
Pearl Harbor. On that Sunday morning, December 7, 1941, a Japanese 
force of 353 dive-bombers and torpedo planes attacked U.S. military 
naval forces on Oahu without warning. Our Nation suffered staggering 
losses, with over 2,400 servicemen and women killed, another 1,200 
wounded, over 320 aircraft destroyed or damaged, and all eight U.S. 
battleships in Pearl Harbor sunk or seriously damaged. The next day, 
the United States declared war on Japan and later its Axis partners.
  Madam Speaker, in many ways, we prevailed in World War II directly 
because of the brave and courageous members of our Armed Forces who 
died

[[Page 23031]]

and fought at Pearl Harbor. Their sacrifices galvanized and ignited 
America's fighting spirit as never before, fueling us for years of 
battle until the forces of tyranny were defeated.
  But, Madam Speaker, the term Pearl Harbor also means something vastly 
different to certain Americans who suffered tremendously under the 
pretense of the policy of our national security. I am making reference 
specifically, Madam Speaker, to Americans of Japanese ancestry. Some 
100,000 Americans were systematically herded like cattle and placed 
into concentration camps, with their property confiscated. At the 
height of tremendous hatred and bigotry and racism, what was very 
interesting is that we had another fantastic legacy to be shared with 
every American in our country.
  It is important to recognize the contributions of the Japanese-
Americans who served in the U.S. Army's 100th Battalion and 442nd 
Combat Infantry group. History speaks for itself in documenting that 
none have shared their blood more valiantly for America than the 
Japanese-Americans who served in these units while fighting enemy 
forces in Europe during World War II.
  The records of the 100th Battalion and 442nd Infantry are without 
equal, Madam Speaker. These Japanese-American units suffered an 
unprecedented casualty rate of 314 percent and received over 18,000 
individual decorations. Many were awarded after their deaths for 
bravery and courage in the field of battle.
  For your information, Madam Speaker, 52 Distinguished Service 
Crosses, 560 Silver Stars, and 9,480 Purple Hearts were awarded to the 
Japanese-American soldiers of the 100th Battalion and 442nd infantry. 
The 442nd Combat Infantry group emerged as the most decorated combat 
unit of its size in the history of the United States Army. President 
Truman was so moved by their bravery in the field of battle, as well as 
that of African American soldiers during World War II, that he issued 
an American order to desegregate the Armed Forces.
  I am happy to say that after Daniel Akaka introduced legislation in 
1996 to review the war records of these soldiers, 20 Medals of Honor 
were awarded to these Japanese American soldiers, including Senator 
Daniel Inouye of Hawaii. The Senator was initially awarded the 
Distinguished Service Cross for heroism in combat and was an original 
member of the 442nd Infantry Combat group.
  I might say also, Madam Speaker, that for many years I have served as 
executive officer of B Company of the 100th Battalion and the 442nd 
Infantry.
  Madam Speaker, these Japanese Americans paid their dues in blood to 
protect our Nation from its enemies. It is a shameful legacy in the 
history of our country that when the patriotic survivors of the 100th 
Battalion and the 442nd Infantry returned to the United States, many 
were reunited with their parents, their brothers, and their sisters who 
were locked up behind barbed wire fences living in concentration camps.
  I recall our former colleague and friend who now serves as Secretary 
of Transportation, former Congressman Norm Mineta. He said as an 11-
year-old, he was in one of these concentration camps. He was told that 
they had to put all these Japanese Americans in these concentration 
camps, that it was for their protection. Here was an 11- year-old 
saying if it was for their protection, why were all the machine guns 
pointed inside the camps and not outside the camps.
  Madam Speaker, the wholesale and arbitrary abolishment of the 
constitutional rights of these loyal Japanese Americans will forever 
serve as a reminder and testament that this must never be allowed to 
occur again. Madam Speaker, as our government deals with the 
ramifications of the horrific terrorist attacks of September 11, I 
would hope our Nation would not forget this one basic lesson.
  I urge adoption of the resolution before us, which recognizes and 
honors the sacrifices of our armed services members who died and served 
at Pearl Harbor, for they inspire all Americans to seek to preserve and 
protect our great Nation and democracy. By the same token, Madam 
Speaker, let us not also forget what happened to our fellow Americans, 
the Japanese Americans. They suffered tremendously and did so without 
any guilt on their part, simply because they were Americans who 
happened to be of Japanese ancestry.
  Mr. BARR of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  I would like to associate myself with the remarks of the gentleman 
from American Samoa. As a matter of fact, as a child growing up, I 
lived near one of those concentration camps, a resettlement camp, in 
Jerome, Arkansas; and so I observed some of what the gentleman speaks 
about. And having actually seen it, I appreciate the gentleman's 
remarks a great deal.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, will the gentleman yield?
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. I yield to the gentleman from American Samoa.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I think, in view of the pending 
celebration of the 60th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, probably two major 
things have resulted from what has happened. One, I think our country 
should always remember that Americans are Americans regardless of race, 
creed or color. And I think the image and the understanding when we 
talk about Pearl Harbor, though there is no question about what 
happened and the sacrifices of those fellow Americans who died as a 
result of the Japanese attack, there is also the other very emotional 
feeling among many of the Japanese Americans throughout our Nation, 
because it was not a very happy experience for them when this happened.
  More than anything, too, as a result of the courageous efforts by 
these Japanese American soldiers and our black and fellow African 
American soldiers, for the first time President Truman, who was so 
moved by their sacrifices, he then issued an Executive Order to 
desegregate the Armed Forces. That is a major, major change in our 
national policy; and I thank the gentleman for his recognition of this.

                              {time}  1630

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I agree with the gentleman. December 7, 1941, or 
September 11, 2001, our country has stood strong, resilient and ready 
to withstand any attack, no matter where it comes from. Again, we 
salute, we commend those men and women of the military who have 
protected with their very lives the freedoms which we all enjoy. I urge 
support of this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. BARR of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, December 7, 1941, was certainly a watershed. It was a 
day those who lived through it, and all who have lived after it, will 
never forget. America, and indeed the world, were changed forever by 
the events of December 7, 1941. America was awakened from slumber by 
that attack, and she has not slept since.
  However, we have been stirred from a rest on September 11 of this 
year, and we are now reminded that America cannot ever sleep any more 
now than on December 7, 1941. We must remember, and we must pass this 
resolution. We must remember so that free people everywhere never 
forget. I urge support on Senate Concurrent Resolution 44.
  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a Member of the 
House Veterans' Affairs Committee in strong support of S. Con. Res. 44 
and urge its immediate passage. Designating December 7 of this year as 
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is most appropriate and is a 
fitting tribute to the men and women who were present on that fateful 
day.
  December 7 of this year marks the 60th anniversary since that ill-
fated Sunday morning when the dreaded news of death and destruction 
rang out across this nation. The surprise attack by the Imperial 
Japanese naval air forces upon our naval base at Pearl Harbor and the 
airfields around the island of Oahu went on to forever change our 
world. This

[[Page 23032]]

unprovoked attack sank or heavily damaged 21 ships, destroyed or 
damaged 323 aircraft, killed 2,338 military personnel and civilians, 
and wounded 1,178.
  Reactions to the news varied from disbelief and shock, to anger. 
Later, these feelings would translate into a sense of mission, duty, 
and responsibility which would drive the American war machine and keep 
the recruitment offices flowing with eager volunteers.
  The raid on Pearl Harbor is an event which will forever be ingrained 
in the hearts and minds of those old enough to remember. The war is 
over, but we shall never forget. We shall not forget the destruction 
and sorrow which drew this nation into World War II. President 
Roosevelt told Americans that December 7, 1941, would be ``a date which 
will live in infamy.'' Indeed, this day has proven a constant reminder 
of the heroism and sacrifice of thousands of men and women who defended 
our freedom and liberty.
  My home State of New Mexico proudly hails approximately 200 Pearl 
Harbor Veterans within its borders. All across the Land of Enchantment 
on December 7 families and friends will gather to pay tribute to these 
brave Americans. I salute each and every one of them. I want to also 
recognize Stanley White who is the President of Chapter 1 of the Pearl 
Harbor Survivors Association for proudly representing all Pearl Harbor 
Veterans in New Mexico.
  Be assured that as we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the attack 
on Pearl Harbor, the bravery, valor, and service of these men and women 
in defense of their country and its deals are not forgotten. Please 
accept the thanks of a grateful nation forever indebted to your 
service.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of S. Con. Res. 44, which expresses the sense of Congress regarding 
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. December 7, 2001 will be the 
60th Anniversary of 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor by the Imperial 
Japanese Navy and Air Force. This bill recognizes and gives deference 
to the 2,403 members of our Armed Forces who were killed during the 
attack, as well as to the more than 12,000 members of the Pearl Harbor 
Survivors Associations across our great Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, thousands of innocent young lives were lost during that 
surprise early Sunday morning attack. At 7:55 am, Japanese bombers 
began the bombing that sank 21 American warships, killed 2,338 military 
personnel and civilians, and destroyed 165 planes.
  The Arizona Memorial, which represents the courage and sacrifice of 
the men that died in Pearl Harbor, was built in 1961 to honor the 1,177 
Arizona crewmen who were killed during the Japanese attack. According 
to a USS Arizona casualty list supplied by the Department of the 
Interior, at least 78 of these soldiers and sailors were from Texas. 
The memorial is situated directly above the sunken USS Arizona, which 
still entombs about 900 crewmen who lost their lives when the Arizona 
went down.
  Mr. Speaker, we will never know what those young men would have 
achieved. We are humbled by their sacrifice. It is appropriate that we 
commemorate the 60th anniversary of the event that brought our country 
into World War II. We must always remember the sacrifice and heroism of 
those who lost their lives for our country at Pearl Harbor.
  Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today is not Veterans' Day nor 
Memorial Day nor any of the other days we usually set aside to remember 
our servicemen and women. But we are not confined solely to those 
official days in remembering our nation's heroes.
  At this time in our nation's history, when once again the sound of 
battle rumbles on the horizon and the skies are darkened by war planes 
and bombs, we should reflect on a similar time 60 years ago. Few of us 
ever expected to see another day like December 7, 1941, and all of us 
hoped we never would. For over fifty years America led the world in a 
season of peace and prosperity. But on September 11, 2001, this 
generation's ``day that will live in infamy'' came, and the ``sleeping 
giant'' was awakened once again.
  In Fredericksburg, TX, there is a place with the motto, ``We inspire 
our youth, by honoring our heroes.'' This place is called the National 
Museum of the Pacific War and it is very special indeed. Many know it 
by its former name, the Admiral Nimitz Museum, for it was in 
Fredericksburg that over a hundred years ago that great man was born 
and raised.
  Chester W. Nimitz served his country all of his life--from his first 
year at the U.S. Naval Academy at the age of 16 to his appointment as 
the first-ever five-star Fleet Admiral. It is appropriate to have a 
museum that honors not only his name and legacy, but also the countless 
sailors, soldiers, and marines who served in that theatre of war with 
him.
  The bloodshed that began in Pearl Harbor ended nearly 4 years later 
in Tokyo Bay, with Admiral Nimitz personally accepting the Japanese 
surrender. Between those famous dates of December 7, 1941, and 
September 2, 1945, are hundreds of other dates largely forgotten, but 
dates still made sacred by the blood and sweat of our fellow Americans, 
who fought and died from one end of the mighty Pacific Ocean to the 
other. They fought so that we all might live free.
  Once again, our great country finds itself engaged in a time of 
strife. Perhaps even now, another young Nimitz is waiting in the wings. 
We must never forget that the children of today are the leaders of 
tomorrow. Admiral Nimitz took as his favorite quotation the following: 
``Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.''
  Even as we speak, another generation of Americans is following its 
commanders into harm's way. And they do so for you and me. They do so 
because others did so before them, and left a living legacy for them to 
follow; a legacy of blood and valor etched on coral ridges and tropical 
atolls from Midway and Guadalcanal all the way to Okinawa and Japan.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. Con. 
Res. 44, a resolution expressing the sense of the Congress regarding 
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance day. I urge my colleagues to join in 
supporting this timely, appropriate measure.
  December 7, 2001 will mark the 60th anniversary of the naval and air 
attack by imperial Japan on the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, 
Hawaii. This resolution pays tribute to the 2,403 servicemembers who 
were killed on that ``day of infamy,'' and the thousands more who 
received their baptism of fire into the Second World War.
  It is the responsibility of those of us who still remember that 
attack on our Nation to remind younger generations of the lessons we 
learned. In his fireside chat on December 9, 1941, President Franklin 
Roosevelt stated: ``In the past three days we have learned a terrible 
lesson . . . . there is no such thing as security for any nation . . . 
in a world ruled by the principles of gangsterism.''
  ``There is no such thing as an impregnable defense against powerful 
aggressors who sneak up in the dark and strike without warning. . . We 
have learned that our ocean-girth hemisphere is not immune from severe 
attack--that we cannot measure our safety in terms of miles on a map 
anymore.''
  Pearl Harbor taught us that we must never again give the perception 
of a weak U.S. defense posture. As a result of December 7, 1941, the 
philosophy of peace through strength became a mainstay of our American 
cold war defense and foreign policy.
  This policy remains viable today, even though the cold war has ended. 
As the tragic and horrible events of September 11th have demonstrated 
the world is stall a very dangerous place. And there are many countries 
and organizations who have agendas that are a clear and present danger 
to American interests and our way of life.
  The attack on Pearl Harbor did bring about one positive result. It 
revealed that, when threatened, the American people can act with unity 
and vigor in a manner unheard of in all previous history. This event 
reinforced, in a way that has now been repeated since September 11th, 
the premise that freedom and democracy are ideals which are worthy and 
sometimes require, fighting for.



  Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor shook the American people from their 
slumber and isolationism, motivating the United States to take the lead 
in combating and ultimately defeating the tyranny of German nazism and 
Japanese militarism, enabling our nation to recognize that the 2,403 
servicemen who died in the attack on December 7, 1941 did not die in 
vain.
  Similarly, the unprovoked, barbaric acts of terrorism that occurred 
on September 11th have resulted in a newfound sense of unity among the 
American people. I have no doubt that we will rise to this new 
challenge of confronting terrorism, and that we will defeat this 
scourge just as soundly as we crushed German nazism and Japanese 
militarism.
  Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to join in supporting this worthy 
measure.
  Mr. BARR of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Whitfield). The question is on the 
motion offered by the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Barr) that the House 
suspend the rules and concur in the Senate concurrent resolution, S. 
Con. Res. 44.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those present have voted in the affirmative.

[[Page 23033]]


  Mr. BARR of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

                          ____________________