Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty has proclaimed that Sunday, December 7, 2008, be observed as PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE DAY in the State of Minnesota and ordered that all U.S. and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff on state property from sunrise until sunset on Sunday, December 7, 2008, in remembrance and in honor of those who died during the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor and those who sacrificed for our liberty and freedom during World War II.

The following is the text of the Governor’s official proclamation:

WHEREAS: 2008 marks the 63rd anniversary of the end of World War II, the longest and costliest conflict, involving millions of individuals from most of the
nations of the world; and

WHEREAS: A total of 16,535,000 men and women served in every branch of the Armed Forces of the United States during the four long years of this terrible conflict; and

WHEREAS: On December 7, 1941, the United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor in the Hawaiian Islands was attacked, along with other U.S. military installations in the Pacific Theater, without warning or provocation by the Naval Forces of the Japanese Empire; and

WHEREAS: More than 2,400 Americans, both military personnel and civilians, were killed in these attacks. More than 1,100 suffered injuries, and the bulk of the U. S. fleet stationed at Pearl Harbor was severely damaged or destroyed; and

WHEREAS: Eighty-four Naval Reservists from the State of Minnesota were serving on active duty aboard the USS Ward at Pearl Harbor on that date when the first shot was fired in defense of the United States in World War II, sinking a Japanese submarine attempting to infiltrate the harbor defenses prior to the air attack; and

WHEREAS: It is fitting and proper to remember the sacrifices of all who served in defense of our nation during World War II, especially those who paid the ultimate price of their lives in defense of the liberties that all Americans enjoy; and

WHEREAS: The Congress, by Public Law 103-308, as amended, has designated December 7 of each year as “National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.”

NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM PAWLENTY, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim Sunday, December 7, 2008, as: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in the State of Minnesota and do hereby urge that all U.S. flags and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at the Capitol Complex, including state buildings, monuments, and grounds in proximity to and including the Minnesota State Capitol, from sunrise until sunset on Sunday, December 7, 2008, in remembrance and in honor of those who died during the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor and those who sacrificed for our liberty and freedom during World War II.