[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8463--DEC. 4, 2009

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

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Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fourth.
BARACK OBAMA