[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Proclamation 7633 of December 6, 2002
 
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2002

By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Early on a quiet Sunday morning on December 7, 1941, aircraft of the
Empire of Japan, without provocation or warning, attacked the United
States forces at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. More than 2,400 Americans died
that day and another 1,100 were wounded, in what was the start of a long
and terrible war against the forces of fascism, tyranny, and
imperialism.
Out of that surprise attack grew a steadfast resolve to defend the
freedoms on which our Nation was founded. From the ruins of Pearl
Harbor, America built the strongest Navy in the world and emerged as a
superpower to lead a coalition of allies to victory over evil in World
War II. Our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines fought and won

[[Page 2976]]
117 STAT. 2976

many crucial battles, defeating history's most powerful tyranny. Our
Nation must always remember the heroism, dedication, and sacrifice of
those who served. Their courage in battle continues to inspire us today
as our Armed Forces fight against terrorism in Afghanistan and around
the world.
The men and women who fought for America at Pearl Harbor not only
protected our Nation, but also helped to shape its character. Nine
Americans who fell had Navy ships named after them, and 15 men earned
the Medal of Honor for bravery, with 10 of them awarded the Medal
posthumously. As we remember the lost on what President Franklin Delano
Roosevelt called ``a date which will live in infamy,'' I encourage our
veterans to share their experiences with our youth so that new
generations can learn about this important moment in our history.
Today, we salute our veterans of Pearl Harbor and World War II, whose
sacrifices saved democracy during a dark hour. In their memory, a new
generation of our Armed Forces goes forward against new enemies in a new
era. Once again, we pledge to defend freedom, secure our homeland, and
advance peace around the world. Americans have been tested before, and
our Nation will triumph again.
The Congress, by Public Law 103-308, as amended, has designated December
7, 2002, as ``National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.''
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2002, 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 and every 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 sixth day of
December, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
seventh.
GEORGE W. BUSH