NATIONAL PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE DAY
“Today, National Pearl Harbor Remembrance
Day, we take time to remember those who valiantly defended their nation
against the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, and to memorialize the more
than 2,400 American lives lost in that attack, 64 years ago this day. In
doing so, we honor all of America’s veterans of that war, every one of
them a member of the “Greatest Generation,” who selflessly devoted
themselves to protecting our cherished liberty that fateful Sunday
morning and for over 1300 subsequent days of bloody fighting. Their
sacrifice and that of the men and women who followed in their valiant
footsteps, remains emblematic of America's commitment to freedom.
From a generation that came of age during the Great Depression, millions
of our country’s best and bravest took up arms in a worldwide struggle
against tyranny. We suffered a terrible blow at Pearl Harbor, but
unbowed, this great nation and its ideals ultimately prevailed. The
threats to freedom we now face against a new form of tyranny remind us
that we owe much to those who served and those who died that day on
Oahu.
Those heroes, many of whom still lie entombed beneath the waters of
Pearl Harbor, embody the very ideals upon which America was founded. We
recognize with heartfelt gratitude the sacrifices these extraordinary
men and women – from the cities and farms across this vast country –
have made to preserve and defend our freedom.
As we make preparations to enjoy this Holiday Season with family and
friends, let us pause today to honor the memory of those who made our
joyous celebrations possible through their sacrifice at Pearl Harbor.
Let us also remember our men in women in military uniform serving far
from home, in harm’s way so that we can securely and confidently enjoy
those holidays here at home.”
STEVE BUYER
Chairman
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