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

Proclamation 7742 of December 5, 2003
 
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2003

By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

More than 60 years ago, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt told
Americans that December 7, 1941, was ``a date which will live in
infamy.'' On that morning, America was attacked without warning and
without provocation. More than 2,400 Americans died and 1,100 were
wounded. Our country was changed forever. Following that attack, our
citizens responded with the strength and resolve that characterizes
America in times of adversity, and that same spirit and courage carried
us to victory in World War II. On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day,
we honor the lives lost in that attack and salute the veterans of World
War II. We also pay tribute to all those now serving America to advance
freedom around the world.
The USS ARIZONA Memorial in Honolulu, Hawaii, stands as a monument to
that ship's 1,177 crew members who died as a result of the attack. Since
the Memorial's dedication, more than 40 million visitors have honored
the heroism of these brave sailors and marines. Laura and I had the
opportunity to visit the Memorial in October of this year. It is a
fitting tribute to the lives lost in defense of our freedom during the
greatest global conflict in history.
America's liberty is sustained by the courage of the American people.
Every generation of Americans has answered the call to protect the
blessings of freedom and democracy. With the help of our friends and
allies, the brave men and women of our Armed Forces are now engaged in a
global war on terrorism. And as in the aftermath of the terrible attack
on Pearl Harbor, our Nation will stay the course, and we will prevail.
The Congress, by Public Law 103-308, as amended, has designated December
7, 2003, as ``National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.''
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2003, 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 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 fifth day of
December, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH


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