[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 49 (Monday, December 11, 2006)]
[Pages 2119-2120]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8089--National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2006

 December 1, 2006

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Sixty-five years ago, more than 2,400 Americans lost their lives in 
a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. On National Pearl Harbor

[[Page 2120]]

Remembrance Day, we think of those who died on December 7, 1941, and 
honor all those who sacrificed for our liberty during World War II.
    On that peaceful Sunday morning, our country suffered a vicious, 
unprovoked attack that changed the course of history. Though our Pacific 
Fleet was nearly destroyed, our citizens were inspired by the great acts 
of heroism from those who survived and from those who did not. In the 
days that followed, our grief turned to resolution, and America embarked 
on a mission to defeat two of the most ruthless regimes the world has 
ever known. We pledge to always remember the character and sacrifice of 
the brave individuals at Pearl Harbor. Their selfless service helped 
deliver a great victory for the cause of freedom and, ultimately, 
transformed adversaries into the closest of friends.
    After the devastating attacks on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. 
Roosevelt declared, ``We are going to win the war and we are going to 
win the peace that follows.'' In the 21st century, freedom is again 
under attack, and young Americans have stepped forward to serve in a 
global war on terror that will secure our liberty and determine the 
destiny of millions around the world. Like generations before, we will 
answer history's call with confidence, confront threats to our way of 
life, and build a more peaceful world for our children and 
grandchildren.
    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, 2006, 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 first day of 
December, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
first.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., December 6, 
2006]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
December 7. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.