December 6, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 6, 2011
CONTACT: Matthew Benson

“Seventy years ago, the United States of America was shaken to its core by a surprise foreign attack that led President Roosevelt to declare December 7 a date that would ‘live in infamy.’ Indeed, the events of December 7, 1941, forever changed the course of our nation’s history. To the dismay of our attackers, those events did not break our nation’s spirit.

"December 7th will always carry special significance for Arizonans. It was the battleship named for our state – the USS Arizona – that was sunk at its berth by the Japanese attack. Its anchor, on display just steps from the State Capitol at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza, is an eternal reminder of American sacrifice, courage and valor. I encourage Arizonans to visit the memorial and pay tribute to the 1,177 USS Arizona crewmen who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor. 

“America’s response to the attack on Pearl Harbor and eventual victory in World War II proved once again our nation’s character and the resolve of the Greatest Generation. Let us take this opportunity to honor the lives lost at Pearl Harbor, and to pray for the countless servicemen and women who fought – and continue to fight – to preserve our liberties at home and abroad. 

“In honor of the patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice through their service at Pearl Harbor, I have ordered that the American flag be flown at half-staff over the State Capitol and all state buildings from sunrise until sunset on December 7, 2011.”

 

###

<- Go Back