United States of America - Each year on December 7, National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is observed across the nation. This day is a day to honor all those who lost their lives serving this nation at Pearl Harbor. There were more than 2,500 Americans that lost their lives or were wounded on that solemn day.
It was on August 23 of 1994 that United States Congress by Pub L 103-308, designated December 7, of each year, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is also sometimes referred to as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day or Pearl Harbor Day.
Traditionally the Flag of the United States is flown at half-staff, until sunset, to honor those who lost their lives serving this nation at Pearl Harbor.
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
On the morning of December 7, 1941, Japanese planes thundered over Hawaii, dropping bombs in an unprovoked act of war against the United States.
The attack claimed the lives of more than 2,400 Americans.It nearly destroyed our Pacific Fleet, but it could not shake our resolve. While battleships smoldered in the harbor, patriots from across our country enlisted in our Armed Forces, volunteering to take up the fight for freedom and security for which their brothers and sisters made the ultimate sacrifice.
On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we pay tribute to the souls lost 73 years ago, we salute those who responded with strength and courage in service of our Nation, and we renew our dedication to the ideals for which they so valiantly fought.
In the face of great tragedy at Pearl Harbor — our first battle of the Second World War — our Union rallied together, driven by the resilient and unyielding American spirit that defines us. The millions of Americans who signed up and shipped out inspired our Nation and put us on the path to victory in the fight against injustice and oppression around the globe. As they stormed the beaches of Normandy and planted our flag in the sands of Iwo Jima, our brave service members rolled back the tide of tyranny in Europe and throughout the Pacific theater. Because of their actions, nations that once knew only the blinders of fear saw the dawn of liberty.
The men and women of the Greatest Generation went to war and braved hardships to make the world safer, freer, and more just. As we reflect on the lives lost at Pearl Harbor, we remember why America gave so much for the survival of liberty in the war that followed that infamous day.
Today, with solemn gratitude, we recall the sacrifice of all who served during World War II, especially those who gave their last full measure of devotion and the families they left behind. As proud heirs to the freedom and progress secured by those who came before us, we pledge to uphold their legacy and honor their memory.
The Congress, by Public Law 103-308, as amended, has designated December 7 of each year as “National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.”
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2014, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
I encourage all Americans to observe this solemn day of remembrance and to honor our military, past and present, with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
I urge all Federal agencies and interested organizations, groups, and individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff this December 7 in honor of those American patriots who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth year.
BARACK OBAMA
The U.S. and Missouri flags on all state and local government buildings in Missouri will be flown at half-staff on Sunday, Dec. 7 to commemorate those who died or were wounded during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on Dec. 7, 1941. A 1996 state law designates the date as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and directs that on that day, flags be flown at half-staff by all state agencies and political subdivisions of the state.
“As the Greatest Generation passes on, we must never forget the sacrifice that Americans from all walks of life made in that unified effort to defeat tyranny,” Gov. Jay Nixon said. “Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day reminds us of not only of their sacrifice, but also of the sacrifices that have been made by our men and women in uniform throughout many generations – including those who are serving now.”
Some wildlife, like squirrels, will spend time stocking up and storing food sources before the cold hits. Black bears eat as much as they can in advance to store up the necessary fat they need to survive. Still others are subject to what’s available throughout the cold months, which takes a toll on their energy levels and can make surviving the winter a game of chance.
Angela Pierce, a naturalist at the Missouri Department of Conservation Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, said we can help these animals conserve some of their energy by helping to provide their three basic needs throughout the winter months: shelter, food and water.
“Making a shelter is as easy as making a brush pile,” Pierce said.
Larger limbs and branches can be piled and then filled in with dried leaves and grass. Fallen trees can be left for the winter, also, to provide a place for wildlife to shelter in from the wind and elements. Real Christmas trees are great items to recycle for wildlife shelter, she said, by simply placing them outside after the holidays.
“These shelters provide cover for ground-foraging birds, rabbits, chipmunks, hibernating reptiles, amphibians and insects,” Pierce said.
To help provide food in the winter months, high-fat suet and sunflower seeds can be provided to winter songbirds. High-fat food sources help the birds to build up their energy sources.
Pierce also said providing warm water on a daily basis will save animals from using their energy to search for unfrozen water sources. She recommends either replenishing water daily, or purchasing a heater for bird baths or backyard ponds.
By taking a few steps to help wildlife find shelter, food and water throughout these cold months, we can help make their chances of survival much higher. To find more resources on winter wildlife, go online to www.mdc.mo.gov.
A huge thank you to William's Moving Co. located in Dexter for donating a truck and driver who will deliver the goodies to the Stoddard County Gospel Mission.
The High School initiated the competition between the schools three years ago to help the local Mission with food for the holidays.
"Last year we gave 14,626 cans to the Mission," stated Judy Patterson, DHS counselor and promoter of the project. "This year we hope to make a larger donation!"
Southwest Elementary, Central Elementary, T.S. Hill Middle School and the Dexter Senior High School will all be competing for delicious treats! The school that brings in the most cans will receive home-made cookies from OPAA, their food service company!
Items needed for the Stoddard County Gospel Mission are dry goods and canned goods such as pasta, spaghetti, canned vegetables and fruits, mac & cheese, cookies, crackers, peanut butter, and any item that is non-perishable.
Throughout the Christmas Season people come together and realize how fortunate they are and also how some families are in great need this time of year. The Stuff A Bus event was such a great hit the past two years they hope to continue to participate for many years to come to help those in Stoddard County.
We should feel very proud to live in such a community that is always willing to give back any chance we can. We hope to see the Stuff A Bus event continue to positively affect many families for as long as possible.
The Missouri Department of Conservation reports the top harvest counties were Howell, with 3,418 deer checked; Franklin, with 3,338 and Texas, with 3,170.
This year’s harvest is 6-percent larger than last year’s figure and 10 percent below the previous 5-year average for the November portion of firearms deer season. When added to the previous, urban, and early youth portions of this year’s firearms deer season the November portion harvest brings the year-to-date total to 185,890.
Twenty-five days of firearms deer hunting remain in the antlerless, alternative-methods and late youth portions of deer season. Archery deer season runs through Jan. 15.
The white-tailed deer is Missouri’s most popular game species and one of the most prolific, with an estimated population of more than 1 million free-ranging deer statewide. Missouri has nearly 520,000 deer hunters and almost two million wildlife watchers who enjoy deer.
Activities related to deer hunting and watching annually contribute $1 billion in economic activity to state and local economies, and support more than 12,000 Missouri jobs. Many Missouri meat processors, taxidermists, hotels, restaurants, sporting goods stores, and other businesses rely on deer hunting as a significant source of revenue.
The Show-Me State’s white-tailed deer resource also helps feed needy Missourians through the Share the Harvest (STH) program. STH brings together thousands of deer hunters, more than 130 participating meat processors, the Conservation Department, the Conservation Federation of Missouri, and numerous supporting organizations to channel ground venison to tens of thousands of hungry Missouri families each year through donations to local food banks and food pantries. Since 1992, Missouri hunters have donated more than 3.1 million pounds of venison to the needy through STH.
Thousands of private landowners manage their land for deer and deer hunting, and rely on deer and deer hunting to maintain property values.
