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."
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From the National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day presidential proclamation of 2006 from George W. Bush; today, of course, is the 68th anniversary of this attack on freedom.
2 comments:
It seems as though our internal enemies are inflicting more damage to this country than even our external foes did in WWII.
God bless all those who lost their lives and sacrificed their lives in defense of this country and freedom, all over the world.
"In the 21st century, freedom is again under attack..."
Other than by our own government, I don't really see where our freedom is under attack, nor why we have gone into Iraq or remain in Afghanistan as they relate to the preservation of our national freedom. Nor do I see why we should have military presence in over 130 countries,(e.g. over 75,000 troops maintained in Germany since World War II). But hey, I am missing the point.
It's good to see this memorialized in a sense on the blog here. I haven't seen hardly anyone mention this today, which is astonishing.
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