National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2013

Proclamation 9068 of December 5, 2013

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2013

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

More than seven decades ago, on a calm Sunday morning,
our Nation was attacked without warning or provocation.
The bombs that fell on the island of Oahu took almost
2,400 American lives, damaged our Pacific Fleet,
challenged our resilience, and tested our resolve. On
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we honor the men
and women who selflessly sacrificed for our country,
and we show our enduring gratitude to all who fought to
defend freedom against the forces of tyranny and
oppression in the Second World War.

In remembrance of Pearl Harbor and to defend our Nation
against future attacks, scores of young Americans
enlisted in the United States military. In battle after
battle, our troops fought with courage and honor. They
took the Pacific theater island by island, and
eventually swept through Europe, liberating nations as
they progressed. Because of their extraordinary valor,
America emerged from this test as we always do--
stronger than ever before.

We also celebrate those who served and sacrificed on
the home front--from families who grew Victory Gardens
or donated to the war effort to women who joined the
assembly line alongside workers of every background and
realized their own power to build a brighter world.
Together, our Greatest Generation overcame the Great
Depression, and built the largest middle class and
strongest economy in history.

Today, with solemn pride and reverence, let us remember
those who fought and died at Pearl Harbor, acknowledge
everyone who carried their legacy forward, and reaffirm
our commitment to upholding the ideals for which they
served.

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, 2013, 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 thirteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
eighth.