[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 235 (Wednesday, December 9, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 65381-65382]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-29515]



[[Page 65379]]

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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

[[Page 65381]]

                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.

[[Page 65382]]

                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.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. E9-29515
Filed 12-8-09; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W0-P