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STATE OF CONNECTICUT
EXECUTIVE CHAMBERS
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 06106 |
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M. Jodi Rell
Governor |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 6, 2009
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Contact:
860-524-7313
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Governor Rell: Flags at Half-Staff
For Pearl Harbor Day
Dec. 7, 1941 ‘Day of Infamy’ Launched U.S. Into WWII
Governor M. Jodi Rell has ordered all state and U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff from dawn until dusk on Monday, December 7 to mark the 68th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The Japanese ambush on the U.S. Naval Base in Hawaii in the early morning hours destroyed several U.S. battleships and claimed nearly 2,400 lives, including dozens of civilians.
“I am urging all citizens in Connecticut to join me on Monday to honor those who have given their lives in defending our great nation,” Governor Rell said. “The passing decades have not erased the horrific event from this country’s collective memory. We will not and must not forget the sacrifice made by the hundreds of brave and men and women on that morning.”
Governor Rell has officially proclaimed Monday, December 7, 2009, “Pearl Harbor Day” in the State of Connecticut.
“The annual commemoration of this attack continues to instill a greater sense of understanding and appreciation for those in the United States Armed Forces, both past and currently, who have patriotically and courageously answered the call to duty,” the proclamation reads.
(Proclamation attached.)
WHEREAS, early on the morning of December 7, 1941, after attempted diplomatic talks between Japan and the United States in Washington, D.C., the United States Pacific Fleet, stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, was attacked by the naval and air forces of Imperial Japan; and
WHEREAS, on that morning the Japanese attackers took seven U.S. battleships out of service, and approximately 2,400 Americans were killed with over 1,000 injured during the short, quick attack; and
WHEREAS, this day of infamy unified and shocked the American people, and soon after the United States entered the Second World War with unparalleled support; and
WHEREAS, each year we remember and dedicate this day to honor those who so valiantly gave the ultimate sacrifice, their lives, to defend this great nation during the attack and subsequent war; and
WHEREAS, the annual commemoration of this attack continues to instill a greater sense of understanding and appreciation for those in the United States Armed Forces, both in the past and currently, who have patriotically and courageously answered the call to duty and risked their lives to defend our nation; and
WHEREAS, December 7, 2009, marks the sixty-eighth anniversary of the Japanese attack on our freedom, values and way of life, and on the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor; now
THEREFORE, I, M. Jodi Rell, Governor of the State of Connecticut, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2009, as
PEARL HARBOR DAY
in the State of Connecticut. I urge all citizens to join me in honoring all those who
have risked their lives while serving our country and protecting our way of life.
