Pearl Harbor Day

PEARL HARBOR DAY

DECEMBER 7, 1941

USS ARIZONA

From Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell

WHEREAS, December 7, 2012 marks the 71st anniversary of the attack on the United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; and

WHEREAS, early on the morning of December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor was ambushed in a surprise attack by the Japanese Imperial Navy, and 2,403 American military personnel, including 44 Virginians, were killed while 1,178 others were wounded; and

WHEREAS, the attack on Pearl Harbor, a day that has since lived in infamy, is among the most destructive and unwarranted acts of war to take place on American soil, and its anniversary serves as a reminder of the vigilance and preparedness which our nation must always maintain; and

WHEREAS, Virginians and Americans everywhere owe a debt of gratitude to the members of the United States Armed Forces who died at Pearl Harbor, as well as to those who survived and fought with great honor and bravery in the Second World War while defending the people and principles of our nation; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting to observe a day in honor of everyone who served in the United States Armed Forces at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and to reflect upon their sacrifices and on the losses endured by their families and loved ones;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize December 7, 2012 as PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE DAY in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

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Remembering those who served and continue to serve.

And remembering my Mother on this day and her stories of how she saw this day as a child.  Remembering Mr. Mac and his pride as he told me the heroic stories while we sat on his front porch so many summers ago.  And remembering my boss for so many years who always spoke with great pride but  never spoke of Pearl Harbor without tears for America and Americans.