New York State Executive Chamber | Governor Eliot Spitzer

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Proclamation

Whereas, all Americans pause today in observance of the 66th Anniversary of the catastrophic attack on Pearl Harbor, which shattered the peace of our land and drew the United States into World War II; and

Whereas, the surprising and devastating assault of December 7, 1941, noted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to be forever remembered as "the day that will live in infamy," destroyed a major portion of our Pacific Fleet and injured or claimed the lives of thousands of Americans; and

Whereas, the attack jolted our Nation and forced us into a war unlike any previous conflict - a war that would require unparalleled courage and determination from military personnel and civilians alike; and

Whereas, nearly 1.7 million New Yorkers, more than any other state in the Union, would serve during World War II, determined to "Remember Pearl Harbor," and defeat the Axis forces in Europe and the Pacific, thereby preserving the principles of liberty and justice for all freedom-loving people; and

Whereas, our Nation has not forgotten the treachery of Pearl Harbor, nor the personal sacrifice and heroic actions of those who fought and died there that fateful day; December 7th is a gripping reminder of the vigilance and preparedness we must maintain in order to defend our sovereignty and freedom - wherever and whenever threatened; and

Whereas, the unthinkable terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, painfully renewed America's awareness and appreciation for our cherished system of democracy, and, as with Pearl Harbor, galvanized our citizens in opposing those intent on destroying us and our treasured way of life;

Now, Therefore, I, Eliot Spitzer, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2007 as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in the Empire State, and join a Nation in respectful gratitude for the valiant efforts of our Armed Forces, both past and present, whose honorable and faithful allegiance promotes and maintains peace throughout the world.

G i v e n under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this third day of December in the year two thousand seven.

Eliot Spitzer, Governor

Richard Baum, Secretary to the Governor