    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [May 28, 2008]
    [Pages 736-737]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Memorandum on Potential Pearl Harbor National Monument
    May 28, 2008

    Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the
    Interior

    Subject: Potential Pearl Harbor National Monument

        Pearl Harbor is well known as the site of Imperial Japan's attack on
    December 7, 1941. Its historical significance, however, both preceded
    the Japanese attack and spanned World War II, during which it served as
    the central base for our Pacific naval forces. While the USS Arizona
    Memorial serves as the final resting place for many of that battleship's
    brave crew members who lost their lives on December 7, 1941, other
    objects of historic and scientific interest in the area of Pearl Harbor
    and other sites in the Pacific remain outside this Memorial.
        I have been advised that there are objects of historic and
    scientific interest at Pearl Harbor, including on Ford Island, and at
    other sites across the Pacific that may be appropriate for recognition
    and possibly protection through the designation of a National Monument
    under the Antiquities Act of 1906 (16 U.S.C. 431). These objects of
    historical and scientific interest may tell the broader story of the
    war, the sacrifices made by America and its allies, and the heroism and
    determination that laid the groundwork for victory in the Pacific and
    triumph in World War II.
        Accordingly, please provide to me your assessment, with relevant
    supporting information, of the advisability of providing additional
    recognition or protection to historic landmarks, historic sites, or
    other objects of historic or scientific interest at Pearl Harbor and
    other sites associated with the war in the Pacific and America's
    ultimate victory in the Pacific theater during World War II, through
    designation and management as part of a National Monument. Because much
    of the Pearl Harbor area lies within an active military base, and other
    World War II historic resources lie within areas of the Pacific that are
    of strategic importance to the United States, please consider in your
    assessment that any proposed actions should not limit the Department of
    Defense from carrying out the mission of the various branches of the
    military stationed or operating anywhere within the Pacific.

                                                              George W. Bush

    [[Page 737]]

    Note: This memorandum was released by the Office of the Press Secretary
    on May 29.