FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 6, 2020
CONTACT: Michael.Pearlman@wyo.gov
Governor Orders Flags be
Flown at Half Staff Statewide on Monday, December 7
CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Governor Mark Gordon, pursuant to President Donald
Trump’s Proclamation, has ordered both the U.S. and State of Wyoming flag be
flown at half-staff statewide on Monday, December 7 in recognition of National
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
The Presidential Proclamation follows:
On the morning of December 7, 1941, Imperial Japanese forces ambushed the
Naval Station Pearl Harbor on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Tragically, 2,403
Americans perished during the attack, including 68 civilians. On this National
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we solemnly honor and uphold the memory of the
patriots who lost their lives that day -- "a date which will live in
infamy" -- and we reflect on the courage of all those who served our
Nation with honor in the Second World War.
Seventy nine years ago, Imperial Japan launched an unprovoked and
devastating attack on our Nation. As torpedo bombers unleashed their deadly
cargo on our ships and attack aircraft rained bombs from above, brave members
of the United States Navy, Marines, Army, and Army Air Forces mounted a heroic
defense, manning their battle stations and returning fire through the smoke and
chaos. The profound bravery in the American resistance surprised Japanese
aircrews and inspired selfless sacrifice among our service members. In one
instance, Machinist's Mate First Class Robert R. Scott, among 15 Sailors
awarded the Medal of Honor for acts of valor on that day, refused to leave his
flooding battle station within the depths of the USS CALIFORNIA, declaring to
the world: "This is my station and I will stay and give them air as long
as the guns are going."
Forever enshrined in our history, the attack on Pearl Harbor shocked all
Americans and galvanized our Nation to fight and defeat the Axis powers of
Japan, Germany, and Italy. As Americans, we promise never to forget our fallen
compatriots who fought so valiantly during World War II. As a testament to
their memory, more than a million people visit the site of the USS ARIZONA
Memorial each year to pay their respects to the Sailors entombed within its
wreckage and to all who perished that day. Despite facing tremendous adversity,
the Pacific Fleet, whose homeport remains at Pearl Harbor to this day, is
stronger than ever before, upholding the legacy of all those who gave their lives
nearly 80 years ago.
On this National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we recall the phrase
"Remember Pearl Harbor," which stirred the fighting spirit within the
hearts of the more than 16 million Americans who courageously served in World
War II. Over 400,000 gave their lives in the global conflict that began, for
our Nation, on that fateful Sunday morning. Today, we memorialize all those
lost on December 7, 1941, declare once again that our Nation will never forget
these valiant heroes, and resolve as firmly as ever that their memory and
spirit will survive for as long as our Nation endures.
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, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2020, as National Pearl Harbor
Remembrance Day. I encourage all Americans to observe this solemn day of
remembrance and to honor our military, past and present, with appropriate ceremonies
and activities. I urge all Federal agencies and interested organizations,
groups, and individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff in
honor of those American patriots who died as a result of their service at Pearl
Harbor.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
fourth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.
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