[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 238 (Thursday, December 11, 2014)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 73799-73800]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-29245]



[[Page 73797]]

Vol. 79

Thursday,

No. 238

December 11, 2014

Part IV





The President





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Proclamation 9218--National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2014
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  Federal Register / Vol. 79 , No. 238 / Thursday, December 11, 2014 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

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                Proclamation 9218 of December 5, 2014

                
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2014

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                On the morning of December 7, 1941, Japanese planes 
                thundered over Hawaii, dropping bombs in an unprovoked 
                act of war against the United States. The attack 
                claimed the lives of more than 2,400 Americans. It 
                nearly destroyed our Pacific Fleet, but it could not 
                shake our resolve. While battleships smoldered in the 
                harbor, patriots from across our country enlisted in 
                our Armed Forces, volunteering to take up the fight for 
                freedom and security for which their brothers and 
                sisters made the ultimate sacrifice. On National Pearl 
                Harbor Remembrance Day, we pay tribute to the souls 
                lost 73 years ago, we salute those who responded with 
                strength and courage in service of our Nation, and we 
                renew our dedication to the ideals for which they so 
                valiantly fought.

                In the face of great tragedy at Pearl Harbor--our first 
                battle of the Second World War--our Union rallied 
                together, driven by the resilient and unyielding 
                American spirit that defines us. The millions of 
                Americans who signed up and shipped out inspired our 
                Nation and put us on the path to victory in the fight 
                against injustice and oppression around the globe. As 
                they stormed the beaches of Normandy and planted our 
                flag in the sands of Iwo Jima, our brave service 
                members rolled back the tide of tyranny in Europe and 
                throughout the Pacific theater. Because of their 
                actions, nations that once knew only the blinders of 
                fear saw the dawn of liberty.

                The men and women of the Greatest Generation went to 
                war and braved hardships to make the world safer, 
                freer, and more just. As we reflect on the lives lost 
                at Pearl Harbor, we remember why America gave so much 
                for the survival of liberty in the war that followed 
                that infamous day. Today, with solemn gratitude, we 
                recall the sacrifice of all who served during World War 
                II, especially those who gave their last full measure 
                of devotion and the families they left behind. As proud 
                heirs to the freedom and progress secured by those who 
                came before us, we pledge to uphold their legacy and 
                honor their memory.

                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, 2014, 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 73800]]

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

[FR Doc. 2014-29245
Filed 12-10-14; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F5