National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2016

Proclamation 9551 of December 6, 2016

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Seventy-five years ago, Japanese fighter planes
attacked the United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor,
destroying much of our Pacific Fleet and killing more
than 2,400 Americans. The following day, President
Franklin D. Roosevelt called on the Congress to declare
war and ``make it very certain that this form of
treachery shall never again endanger us.'' In that
spirit, Americans came together to pay tribute to the
victims, support the survivors, and shed the comforts
of civilian life to serve in our military and fight for
our Union. Each year on National Pearl Harbor
Remembrance Day, we honor those whose lives were
forever changed that December morning and resolve to
uphold the legacy of all who stepped forward in our
time of need.

From the docks of Pearl Harbor to the beaches of
Normandy and far around the world, brave patriots
served their country and defended the values that have
sustained our Nation since its founding. They went to
war for liberty and sacrificed more than most of us
will ever know; they chased victory and defeated
fascism, turning adversaries into allies and writing a
new chapter in our history. Through their service and
unparalleled devotion, they inspired a generation with
their refusal to give in despite overwhelming odds. And
as we reflect on the profound debt of gratitude we owe
them for the freedoms we cherish, we are reminded of
the everlasting responsibilities we have to one another
and to our country.

In memory of all who lost their lives on December 7,
1941--and those who responded by leaving their homes
for the battlefields--we must ensure the sacrifices
they made in the name of liberty and democracy were not
made in vain. On this solemn anniversary, there can be
no higher tribute to these American patriots than
forging a united commitment to honor our troops and
veterans, give them the support and care they deserve,
and carry on their work of keeping our country strong
and free.

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, 2016, 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
sixth day of December, in the year of our Lord two
thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and forty-first.