BANGOR, ME – Congressman Mike Michaud, Ranking Member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on today’s observance of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Michaud will participate in a remembrance ceremony with the Veterans of Foreign Wars at the Kenduskeag Plaza in Bangor at noon today.

“The attacks on Pearl Harbor pulled our nation into war and changed us forever. We were attacked, and we lost thousands of Americans that day.

“Those who were there displayed amazing acts of heroism in the face of death and destruction.  And those who fought for our country in its aftermath saw battles that changed the course of world history.

“As we gather today, we honor the lives, efforts, and sacrifices of these men and women. We also honor what their contributions meant to the building of our nation.

“The attacks in 1941 threatened us as never before, but we did not back down or surrender.  With dignity and courage, a generation of heroes rose up and overcame this assault. We are forever indebted to these Americans for their bravery and for their selfless devotion to our country. They came from all walks of life and they sacrificed much.
 
“As we reflect on the past, our prayers go out to our current military personnel risking their lives today.  For the unimaginable sacrifices made by so many beginning on that day over seven decades ago, today we remember and give thanks.”