National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2014

Vol. 79

Thursday,

No. 238

December 11, 2014

Part IV

The President

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Proclamation 9218--National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2014

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 9218 of December 5, 2014

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2014

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.