[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 238 (Wednesday, December 11, 2002)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 76103-76104]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-31380]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 238 / Wednesday, December 11, 2002 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 76103]]

                Proclamation 7633 of December 6, 2002

                
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2002

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Early on a quiet Sunday morning on December 7, 1941, 
                aircraft of the Empire of Japan, without provocation or 
                warning, attacked the United States forces at Pearl 
                Harbor, Hawaii. More than 2,400 Americans died that day 
                and another 1,100 were wounded, in what was the start 
                of a long and terrible war against the forces of 
                fascism, tyranny, and imperialism.

                Out of that surprise attack grew a steadfast resolve to 
                defend the freedoms on which our Nation was founded. 
                From the ruins of Pearl Harbor, America built the 
                strongest Navy in the world and emerged as a superpower 
                to lead a coalition of allies to victory over evil in 
                World War II. Our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and 
                Marines fought and won many crucial battles, defeating 
                history's most powerful tyranny. Our Nation must always 
                remember the heroism, dedication, and sacrifice of 
                those who served. Their courage in battle continues to 
                inspire us today as our Armed Forces fight against 
                terrorism in Afghanistan and around the world.

                The men and women who fought for America at Pearl 
                Harbor not only protected our Nation, but also helped 
                to shape its character. Nine Americans who fell had 
                Navy ships named after them, and 15 men earned the 
                Medal of Honor for bravery, with 10 of them awarded the 
                Medal posthumously. As we remember the lost on what 
                President Franklin Delano Roosevelt called ``a date 
                which will live in infamy,'' I encourage our veterans 
                to share their experiences with our youth so that new 
                generations can learn about this important moment in 
                our history.

                Today, we salute our veterans of Pearl Harbor and World 
                War II, whose sacrifices saved democracy during a dark 
                hour. In their memory, a new generation of our Armed 
                Forces goes forward against new enemies in a new era. 
                Once again, we pledge to defend freedom, secure our 
                homeland, and advance peace around the world. Americans 
                have been tested before, and our Nation will triumph 
                again.

                The Congress, by Public Law 103-308, as amended, has 
                designated December 7, 2002, as ``National Pearl Harbor 
                Remembrance Day.''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim December 
                7, 2002, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. I 
                encourage all Americans to observe this solemn occasion 
                with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I urge all 
                Federal agencies, interested organizations, groups, and 
                individuals to fly the flag of the United States at 
                half-staff this and every December 7 in honor of those 
                who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.

[[Page 76104]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                sixth day of December, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand two, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 02-31380
Filed 12-10-02; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P