Whereas, At 7:55am on December 7, 1941, Japanese aircraft, attacking in two waves, killed or wounded 3,581 American sons and daughters, sunk or damaged 21 ships and destroyed  or damaged 347 aircraft; and,

Whereas, That day will forever be remembered by Americans as the “day that will live in infamy” thrusting the United States into the Second World War; and,

Whereas, Throughout World War II, the service men and women of the United States Armed Forces faithfully defended the principles of freedom and representative government, and worked for the advancement of human rights and democratic ideals for individuals in our state, our nation, and around the world; and,

Whereas, Countless Michigan men and women worked on the homefront sustaining our armed forces through manufacturing excellence, hard work, determination, and prayer, making our Great Lakes State the “Arsenal of Democracy”; and,

Whereas, The United State survived the tragic event of December 7^th and won the war against oppression and tyranny; and,

Whereas, The memory of Pearl Harbor must remain in the minds of succeeding generations as the symbol of our continuing obligation to remain free and strong in order to preserve, ensure, and protect our individual and collective freedoms; and,

Whereas, The heroes of Pearl Harbor were a true inspiration to our country sixty-three years ago – and they remain so today; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2004, as Pearl Harbor Day in Michigan, and I encourage all citizens, civic institutions, and organizations to pause and reflect upon the courage and sacrifice displayed during the attack.