[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 236 (Thursday, December 9, 2010)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 76613-76614]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-31128]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 236 / Thursday, December 9, 2010 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 76613]]


                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.

[[Page 76614]]

                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.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2010-31128
Filed 12-8-10; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W1-P