Governor Quinn Proclaims Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day; Orders Flags to Be Flown at Half-Staff

SPRINGFIELD – December 7, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn proclaimed today as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in honor and memory of the 69th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. In commemoration of the observance, Governor Quinn ordered United States and Illinois flags be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset today.

“December 7 is a day we come together as a nation to honor the bravery and service of the men and women who gave their lives in the attack on Pearl Harbor,” said Governor Quinn. “It is also a day to give thanks to the millions of Americans who fought in World War II and those who serve our country today.”

The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) hosted a Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day ceremony at the Disabled American Veterans Hall - Chapter #15, 25 Club Area (Lake Springfield), in Springfield. The ceremony honored all Pearl Harbor survivors and paid tribute to the more than 2,400 Americans, including 50 servicemembers from Illinois, who lost their lives during the attack on the base. Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Assistant Director Sergio Estrada led the tribute, which included a special wreath-laying ceremony by Illinois Pearl Harbor survivors and their families.

“As a result of the unexpected and tragic event that occurred on December 7, 1941, our nation was triggered to war and many brave Americans lost their lives,” said IDVA Director Dan Grant. “By paying tribute to them today, we remember that they did not die in vain, and our nation is stronger for their sacrifice.”

Assistant Director Estrada was joined by John Carrigan, board president of the World War II Illinois Veterans Memorial; Lynn Shindel, State Chair of the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors; and guest speaker, Commander Shawn P. Murphy of the United States Transportation Command.

• Governor Quinn’s proclamation (PDF, 547 KB)