[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 50 (Monday, December 15, 2003)]
[Pages 1765-1766]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7742--National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2003

December 5, 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.

[[Page 1766]]

    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

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., December 9, 
2003]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
December 10. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.