[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 50 (Monday, December 13, 2004)]
[Page 2916]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7852--National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2004

 December 6, 2004

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    On a quiet Sunday morning, December 7, 1941, more than 2,400 
Americans were killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor. On that day, life 
changed in America, and the course of history was altered forever.
    Our citizens reacted to the attack with firm determination to defeat 
tyranny and secure our Nation. This enterprise required the commitment 
and effort of our entire country. At the height of the conflict, the 
United States had ships on every ocean and troops on five continents. In 
all, more than 16 million Americans wore the uniform of our Nation. They 
came from all walks of life. They served honorably and fought fiercely. 
At home, millions more contributed to the war effort, laboring for 
victory in our factories, on farms, and across America.
    Today, we honor those who fought and died at Pearl Harbor, and we 
pay special tribute to the veterans of World War II. These heroes hold a 
cherished place in our history. Through their courage, sacrifice, and 
selfless dedication, they saved our country and preserved freedom. As we 
fight the war on terror, their patriotism continues to inspire a new 
generation of Americans who have been called to defend the blessings of 
liberty. Like those who have gone before them throughout our history, 
our troops fighting the war on terror are defending America from danger 
and liberating the oppressed.
    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, 2004, 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 sixth day of 
December, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
ninth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:21 a.m., December 8, 
2004]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
December 9.