[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 237 (Tuesday, December 10, 2013)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 75207-75208]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-29667]


 
 
                         Presidential Documents 
 
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 78 , No. 237 / Tuesday, December 10. 2013 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 75207]]


                Proclamation 9068 of December 5, 2013

                
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2013

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                More than seven decades ago, on a calm Sunday morning, 
                our Nation was attacked without warning or provocation. 
                The bombs that fell on the island of Oahu took almost 
                2,400 American lives, damaged our Pacific Fleet, 
                challenged our resilience, and tested our resolve. On 
                National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we honor the men 
                and women who selflessly sacrificed for our country, 
                and we show our enduring gratitude to all who fought to 
                defend freedom against the forces of tyranny and 
                oppression in the Second World War.

                In remembrance of Pearl Harbor and to defend our Nation 
                against future attacks, scores of young Americans 
                enlisted in the United States military. In battle after 
                battle, our troops fought with courage and honor. They 
                took the Pacific theater island by island, and 
                eventually swept through Europe, liberating nations as 
                they progressed. Because of their extraordinary valor, 
                America emerged from this test as we always do--
                stronger than ever before.

                We also celebrate those who served and sacrificed on 
                the home front--from families who grew Victory Gardens 
                or donated to the war effort to women who joined the 
                assembly line alongside workers of every background and 
                realized their own power to build a brighter world. 
                Together, our Greatest Generation overcame the Great 
                Depression, and built the largest middle class and 
                strongest economy in history.

                Today, with solemn pride and reverence, let us remember 
                those who fought and died at Pearl Harbor, acknowledge 
                everyone who carried their legacy forward, and reaffirm 
                our commitment to upholding the ideals for which they 
                served.

                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, 2013, 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 75208]]

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

[FR Doc. 2013-29667
Filed 12-9-13; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F4