[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 48 (Monday, December 8, 2008)]
[Page 1481]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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Proclamation 8326--National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2008

 December 5, 2008

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we mourn the more than 
2,400 Americans whose lives were lost in the surprise attack on our 
homeland that changed the course of history. Their service and sacrifice 
and the service and sacrifice of all our World War II veterans will be 
forever honored on this day by the citizens of a free and grateful 
Nation.
    On December 7, 1941, the enemy nearly destroyed our Pacific Fleet, 
and the United States was forced into a long and terrible war. A 
generation of Americans stepped forward to fight for our country. Their 
message to America's enemies was clear: If you attack this country and 
harm our people, there is no corner of the Earth remote enough to 
protect you from the reach of our Nation's Armed Forces.
    Following the war the United States worked to make our most bitter 
enemies into our closest friends through the transformative power of 
freedom. The joys of liberty are often secured by the sacrifices of 
those who serve a cause greater than self. To honor and recognize the 
sacrifice of our Armed Forces, I have designated nine sites as the World 
War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument. This monument will 
preserve our history and help share this heritage with future 
generations. On this anniversary, we honor the heroes who risked and 
lost their lives for our security and freedom. Their selfless dedication 
exemplifies the great character of America and continues to inspire our 
Nation.
     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, 2008, 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 and 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 eight, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
third.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:15 a.m., December 8, 
2008]

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