Pearl Harbor..............

Last year, George W. Bush issued a proclamation remembering the more than 2,400 Americans who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor and all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. While I've never hid my feelings about our current President and the harm he has done to our country and our military, I do think it is worthwhile to read the proclamation.


A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
White House News

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

If you are a student of history, you know that there is much discussion about whether Pearl Harbor was "unprovoked." We were engaging Japan in an economic war, we shut down the Panama Canal to Japanese shipping, we had embargoed goods and services to Japan. Some historians argue that we placed most of our Pacific fleet at Pearl Harbor to provoke Japan into something that would justify our entry into World War II. Whatever your feelings about the politics leading to Pearl Harbor, we honor those men and women who were simply doing their job. There's a terrific parallel to that today. Whatever you think of the politics, we honor our soldiers and thank them and their families for their sacrifices.