Washington, DC – Today, Don Fowler, co-chair of the Democratic National Committee’s Veterans and Military Families Council, issued the following statement commemorating Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day:
“Today marks the 65th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attacks, a milestone in American history that not only claimed the lives of more than 2,400 of our brave men and women in uniform, but prompted a generation of Americans to answer the call to service and stand up in defense of our freedoms. They showed what is possible when Americans put politics aside and stand together with a common purpose. Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is an important opportunity to remember those lost in the attack, honor the service and sacrifice of the Greatest Generation, and come together to move America forward.
“Our brave men and women in uniform have now been serving with honor and distinction in Iraq for longer than our nation’s military involvement in the Second World War. Last month’s elections showed that the American people are steadfast in their support for our troops, and their desire for a new direction in Iraq. Yesterday, the Iraq Study Group provided a roadmap for change, recommending many of the specific steps that Democrats have long been calling for-including a phased redeployment of our troops and placing more pressure on the Iraqi government to take responsibility for its own security.
“As our nation honors one generation’s service in defense of our freedoms, President Bush must honor those serving today by joining Democrats in working to implement the Iraq Study Group’s recommendations.”
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