President Bush, Potential Pearl Harbor National Monument Memo, May 28

Potential Pearl Harbor National Monument

"THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

May 28, 2008

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE

THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR

SUBJECT: Potential Pearl Harbor National Monument

Pearl Harbor is well known as the site of Imperial Japan's attack on December 7, 1941.

Its historical significance, however, both preceded the Japanese attack and spanned

World War II, during which it served as the central base for our Pacific naval forces.

While the USS Arizona Memorial serves as the final resting place for many of that

battleship's brave crew members who lost their lives on December 7, 1941, other objects

of historic and scientific interest in the area of Pearl Harbor and other sites in the

Pacific remain outside this Memorial.

I have been advised that there are objects of historic and scientific interest at Pearl Harbor,

including on Ford Island, and at other sites across the Pacific that may be appropriate

for recognition and possibly protection through the designation of a National Monument

under the Antiquities Act of 1906 (16 U.S.C. 431). These objects of historical and

scientific interest may tell the broader story of the war, the sacrifices made by America

and its allies, and the heroism and determination that laid the groundwork for victory

in the Pacific and triumph in World War II.

Accordingly, please provide to me your assessment, with relevant supporting

information, of the advisability of providing additional recognition or protection to historic

landmarks, historic sites, or other objects of historic or scientific interest at Pearl Harbor and

other sites associated with the war in the Pacific and America's ultimate victory in the

Pacific theater during World War II, through designation and management as part of a

National Monument. Because much of the Pearl Harbor area lies within an active

military base, and other World War II historic resources lie within areas of the

Pacific that are of strategic importance to the United States, please consider in

your assessment that any proposed actions should not limit the

Department of Defense from carrying out the mission of the various branches

of the military stationed or operating anywhere within the Pacific.

GEORGE W. BUSH
THE WHITE HOUSE