[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 236 (Thursday, December 8, 2011)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 76871-76872]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-31743]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 236 / Thursday, December 8, 2011 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 76871]]


                Proclamation 8764 of December 6, 2011

                
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2011

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                 On a serene Sunday morning 70 years ago, the skies 
                above Pearl Harbor were darkened by the bombs of 
                Japanese forces in a surprise attack that tested the 
                resilience of our Armed Forces and the will of our 
                Nation. As explosions sounded and battleships burned, 
                brave service members fought back fiercely with 
                everything they could find. Unbeknownst to these 
                selfless individuals, the sacrifices endured on that 
                infamous day would galvanize America and come to 
                symbolize the mettle of a generation.

                In the wake of the bombing of our harbor and the 
                crippling of our Pacific Fleet, there were those who 
                declared the United States had been reduced to a third-
                class power. But rather than break the spirit of our 
                Nation, the attack brought Americans together and 
                fortified our resolve. Patriots across our country 
                answered the call to defend our way of life at home and 
                abroad. They crossed oceans and stormed beaches, 
                freeing millions from the grip of tyranny and proving 
                that our military is the greatest force for liberty and 
                security the world has ever known. On the home front, 
                dedicated civilians supported the war effort by 
                repairing wrecked battleships, working in factories, 
                and joining civilian defense organizations to help with 
                salvage programs and plant Victory gardens. At this 
                time of great strife, we reminded the world there is no 
                challenge we cannot meet; there is no challenge we 
                cannot overcome.

                On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we honor the 
                more than 3,500 Americans killed or wounded during that 
                deadly attack and pay tribute to the heroes whose 
                courage ensured our Nation would recover from this 
                vicious blow. Their tenacity helped define the Greatest 
                Generation and their valor fortified all who served 
                during World War II. As a Nation, we look to December 
                7, 1941, to draw strength from the example set by these 
                patriots and to honor all who have sacrificed for our 
                freedoms.

                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, 2011, 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 76872]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                sixth day of December, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2011-31743
Filed 12-7-11; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F2-P