[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 50 (Monday, December 16, 2002)]
[Pages 2137-2138]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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Proclamation 7633--National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2002

 December 6, 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.
    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

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., December 10, 
2002]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
December 11. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.

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