Gov. Gavin Newsom has issued a proclamation declaring Dec. 7 as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the attack, which killed more than 2,400 people and propelled the United States into World War II.
Lake County for decades had an active group of veterans who belonged to the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, who met annually to commemorate the attack at the memorial mast in Library Park in Lakeport.
The last of that group, Bill Slater of Lakeport, died on New Year’s Eve of 2017.
Gov. Newsom issued the proclamation on Monday.
The full text is below.
PROCLAMATION
Eighty years ago today, Imperial Japan launched an unprovoked attack on the United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, killing more than 2,400 Americans and destroying much of our nation's Pacific Fleet. This attack led President Roosevelt to call on Congress to declare an act of war the followinday, stating December 7, 1941 would be a “date which will live in infamy.”
As we mourn the lives of those we lost on that fateful day, we remember those who defended Pearl Harbor — and all those who answered the call to serve our country in battlefields across the world. Each year, we are reminded of these immense sacrifices and all that we owe our service members who fight to defend the freedoms we cherish.
On the 80th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor, let us reflect on the meaning of sacrifice and heroism and pay solemn tribute to the American heroes who gave their lives that day.
NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2021 , as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto
set my hand and caused the Great
Seal of the State of California to be
affixed this 6th day of December 2021.
GAVIN NEWSOM
Governor of California
ATTEST:
SHIRLEY N. WEBER, Ph.D.
Secretary of State