National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2010

Proclamation 8614 of December 7, 2010

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2010

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Nearly 70 years ago, on December 7, 1941, our service
members and civilians awoke on a quiet Sunday to a
surprise attack on Pearl Harbor by Japanese forces.
Employing whatever weapons were at hand, those who
defended Hawaii that fateful morning stand as examples
of the selfless heroism that has always characterized
the Armed Forces of the United States. More than 3,500
Americans were killed or wounded, and the images of
burning battleships and the grief for lives lost were
forever seared into our national memory.

The deadly attack on Pearl Harbor did not accomplish
its mission of breaking the American spirit. Instead,
it reinforced our resolve. Americans responded with
unity and courage to a tragedy that President Franklin
D. Roosevelt called ``a date which will live in
infamy.'' In the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, thousands
of resolute individuals immediately volunteered their
service to a grieving Nation. Sixteen million of
America's sons and daughters served during World War
II, and more than 400,000 paid the ultimate sacrifice
in defense of life and liberty. Countless other
patriots served on the home front, aiding the war
effort by working in manufacturing plants,
participating in rationing programs, or planting
Victory gardens. In the face of great loss, America
once again showed the resilience and strength that have
always characterized our great country.

The Allied Forces battled the scourge of tyranny and
ultimately spread the transformative march of freedom.
As we recognize the 65th anniversary of the end of
World War II this year, we honor not only those who
gave their lives that December day, but also all those
in uniform who travelled to distant theaters of war to
halt the progression of totalitarianism and hate. In
honor of all who have borne the cost of battle
throughout America's history, let us pledge to meet our
debt of honor and uphold the ideals they fought to
preserve.

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, 2010, 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
seventh day of December, in the year of our Lord two
thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.