[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 21 (Monday, June 2, 2008)]
[Page 763]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Memorandum on Potential Pearl Harbor National Monument

May 28, 2008

Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the 
Interior

Subject: Potential Pearl Harbor National Monument

    Pearl Harbor is well known as the site of Imperial Japan's attack on 
December 7, 1941. Its historical significance, however, both preceded 
the Japanese attack and spanned World War II, during which it served as 
the central base for our Pacific naval forces. While the USS Arizona 
Memorial serves as the final resting place for many of that battleship's 
brave crew members who lost their lives on December 7, 1941, other 
objects of historic and scientific interest in the area of Pearl Harbor 
and other sites in the Pacific remain outside this Memorial.
    I have been advised that there are objects of historic and 
scientific interest at Pearl Harbor, including on Ford Island, and at 
other sites across the Pacific that may be appropriate for recognition 
and possibly protection through the designation of a National Monument 
under the Antiquities Act of 1906 (16 U.S.C. 431). These objects of 
historical and scientific interest may tell the broader story of the 
war, the sacrifices made by America and its allies, and the heroism and 
determination that laid the groundwork for victory in the Pacific and 
triumph in World War II.
    Accordingly, please provide to me your assessment, with relevant 
supporting information, of the advisability of providing additional 
recognition or protection to historic landmarks, historic sites, or 
other objects of historic or scientific interest at Pearl Harbor and 
other sites associated with the war in the Pacific and America's 
ultimate victory in the Pacific theater during World War II, through 
designation and management as part of a National Monument. Because much 
of the Pearl Harbor area lies within an active military base, and other 
World War II historic resources lie within areas of the Pacific that are 
of strategic importance to the United States, please consider in your 
assessment that any proposed actions should not limit the Department of 
Defense from carrying out the mission of the various branches of the 
military stationed or operating anywhere within the Pacific.
                                                George W. Bush

Note: This memorandum was released by the Office of the Press Secretary 
on May 29.