    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    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

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    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.
    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.
    GEORGE W. BUSH