National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2009

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Part V

The President

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Proclamation 8463--National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2009

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Federal Register

Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8463 of December 4, 2009

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2009

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared December 7,
1941, a ``date which will live in infamy.'' With over
3,500 Americans killed or wounded, the surprise attack
by the Imperial Japanese on Pearl Harbor was an attempt
to break the American will and destroy our Pacific
Fleet. They succeeded in doing neither. On National
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we pay tribute to the
brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for
our country, and we honor all those who selflessly
served our Nation at home and abroad during World War
II.

On a tranquil Sunday morning, as war raged around the
globe, the attack on Pearl Harbor effectively ended
American isolation--thrusting our Nation into action.
Japanese airplanes had launched an unprovoked assault
on our military with immense firepower, and our service
members valiantly answered the call. They defended
their positions, fought back against the attackers, and
cared for the wounded. In that darkest hour, men and
women who had considered themselves ordinary found
within themselves the ability to do something
extraordinary. And in the months and years that
followed, Americans all across the country would
respond to Pearl Harbor with firm resolve, many joining
our Armed Forces to defend our shores and our freedom.

This courage is not uncommon in the story of America--a
story of heroes whose sacrifice and valor speak to
their love of comrades and country; and whose goodness
guides our quest for lasting peace. Today, and every
day, we draw strength from the moment when the best
among us defended an island and a Nation from the
onslaught of tyranny, and forever altered the course of
our history.

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 Monday,
December 7, 2009, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance
Day. I encourage all Americans to observe this solemn
day of remembrance 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
fourth day of December, in the year of our Lord two
thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.