Pearl Harbor Survivors Association
Rio Grande Valley of Texas Chapter 11

Proclamations

• Federal Proclamation
• Texas Proclamation
• Letter from the PHSA Texas State Chairman

Letter from the PHSA Texas State Chairman

21 November 2000

Texas Chapters PHSA

Texas Proclamation of Pearl Harbor Day

Governor Bush of the great state of Texas forwarded to my office a proclamation designating December 7, 2000, as Pearl Harbor Day throughout the State of Texas. Please notify your members of this proclamation as you celebrate Pearl Harbor Day. "Remember Pearl Harbor -- Keep America Alert."

Have a great Thanksgiving, and I want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthful New Year.

Aloha,
Howard L. Snell

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Federal Proclamation

Whereas, on December 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy and Air Force attacked units of the armed forces of the United States stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii;

Whereas, more than 2,000 citizens of the United States were killed and more than 1,000 citizens of the United States were wounded in the attack on Pearl Harbor;

Whereas, the attack on Pearl Harbor marked the entry of the United States into World War II;

Whereas, the veterans of World War II and all other people of the United States commemorate December 7 in remembrance of the attack on Pearl Harbor; and

Whereas, commemoration of the attack on Pearl Harbor will instill in all people of the United States a greater understanding and appreciation of the selfless sacrifice of the individuals who served in the armed forces of the United States during World War II: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That December 7 of each year is designated as "National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day" and the President is authorized and requested--

(1) to issue annually a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities; and

(2) to urge all Federal agencies, and interested organizations, groups, and individuals, to fly the flag of United States at halfstaff each December 7 in honor of the individuals who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.

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Texas Proclamation

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, remains a date "which will live in infamy." Nearly 60 years later, Americans continue to revere those who were serving at Pearl Harbor for their bravery in the face of extraordinary odds. More than 2,000 American citizens were killed, and more than 1,000 were wounded in the surprise attack that marked the entry of the country into World War II.

Pearl Harbor survivors have their own vivid recollections to share of the sacrifices made on that fateful day. It remains the duty of all Texans to remember what these men and women did and pass their stories of courage and character on to the next generation. It is the way freedom renews its promise, by celebrating American heroes and American democratic values, without hesitation and without apology.

Texans are proud of the military. We support the military in times of war, and we uphold our commitment to our nation's veterans. We know that without our fighting men and women, "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" would be just hollow words. The Lone Star State owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to Texans who served in the armed forces of the United States during World War II. Their sacrifices for freedom, as well as for others around the world, have not been forgotten. We pledge to preserve their memory in our time, for all time.

I encourage all Texans to recognize with appreciation the sacrifice and courage of the Americans who served at Pearl Harbor and the important contributions they continue to make in our local communities. They deserve the affection and respect of a grateful state and nation.

Therefore, I, George W. Bush, Governor of Texas do hereby proclaim December 7, 2000, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in Texas, and urge the appropriate recognition whereof.

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