[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 49 (Monday, December 10, 2007)]
[Pages 1564-1565]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8209--National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2007

 December 4, 2007

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    On December 7, 1941, our Nation was viciously attacked at Pearl 
Harbor, America's Pacific Fleet was battered and broken, and more than 
2,400 American lives were lost. On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance 
Day, America honors those brave individuals

[[Page 1565]]

who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our homeland, and we 
recognize those veterans who with strength and resolve defended our 
Nation and advanced the cause of freedom during World War II.
    When it mattered most, an entire generation of Americans stepped 
forward to protect our freedom and to defend liberty. Their devotion to 
duty and willingness to serve a cause greater than self helped secure 
our future and our way of life. Liberty prevailed because of the 
sacrifice of these courageous patriots, and America and her allies 
preserved a world where democracy could flourish. Our Nation remains 
forever in the debt of these brave Americans.
    From the unprovoked attack at Pearl Harbor grew a steadfast resolve 
that has made America a defender of freedom around the world, and our 
mission continues as our men and women in uniform serve at home and in 
distant lands. Today, as we defend our Nation's founding ideals, we pay 
special tribute to those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor, honor our 
veterans of World War II, and celebrate the liberty that makes America a 
lasting symbol of hope to the world.
    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, 2007, 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 fourth day of 
December, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
second.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:07 a.m., December 5, 
2007]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
December 6.