[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 122, 110th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

122 STAT. 5397
 
PROCLAMATION 8326--DEC. 5, 2008



Proclamation 8326 of December 5, 2008
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2008
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we mourn the more than 2,400
Americans whose lives were lost in the surprise attack on our homeland
that changed the course of history. Their service and sacrifice and the
service and sacrifice of all our World War II veterans will be forever
honored on this day by the citizens of a free and grateful Nation.
On December 7, 1941, the enemy nearly destroyed our Pacific Fleet, and
the United States was forced into a long and terrible war. A generation
of Americans stepped forward to fight for our country. Their message to
America's enemies was clear: If you attack this country and harm our
people, there is no corner of the Earth remote enough to protect you
from the reach of our Nation's Armed Forces.
Following the war the United States worked to make our most bitter
enemies into our closest friends through the transformative power of
freedom. The joys of liberty are often secured by the sacrifices of
those who serve a cause greater than self. To honor and recognize the
sacrifice of our Armed Forces, I have designated nine sites as the World
War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument. This monument will
preserve our history and help share this heritage with future
generations. On this anniversary, we honor the heroes who risked and
lost their lives for our security and freedom. Their selfless dedication
exemplifies the great character of America and continues to inspire our
Nation.
The Congress, by Public Law 103-308, as amended, has designated
December 7 of each year as ``National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.''
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2008, 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 and 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 eight, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
third.
GEORGE W. BUSH