[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8614--DEC. 7, 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 totali-

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tarianism 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.
BARACK OBAMA