[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 236 (Monday, December 11, 2023)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 85817-85818]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-27218]


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                         Presidential Documents 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 236 / Monday, December 11, 2023 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 85817]]

                Proclamation 10683 of December 6, 2023

                
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2023

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                On this day 82 years ago, 2,403 service members and 
                civilians were killed in a painful and unprovoked 
                attack on our Armed Forces. On National Pearl Harbor 
                Remembrance Day, we remember these women and men, who 
                gave their last full measure of devotion to our Nation. 
                We honor the brave service members who--with the 
                horrors of Pearl Harbor weighing on their hearts and 
                the hopes of humanity resting on their shoulders--
                answered the call to defend freedom against the forces 
                of fascism during World War II.

                The stories of the Greatest Generation's ultimate 
                courage and commitment continue to inspire an enduring 
                sense of unity and purpose throughout our Nation. They 
                remind us that, in the darkest of moments, we have the 
                power to bend the arc of history toward a freer and 
                more just future. They remind us that, from death, 
                destruction, and division, we can build a better 
                world--one grounded in peace and security. They remind 
                us that the forces of tyranny and terrorism are no 
                match for the flame of liberty that burns in the hearts 
                of free people everywhere. Above all, they remind us 
                that every generation can--and must--defeat democracy's 
                mortal foes.

                Together, we must continue to answer that call. We must 
                continue to honor our sacred obligation to care for our 
                service members; veterans; and their families, 
                caregivers, and survivors--including our World War II 
                veterans, who dared all and risked all for our country. 
                With bipartisan support in the Congress, my 
                Administration is meeting that obligation--including 
                now welcoming all World War II veterans to enroll in 
                Veterans Affairs health care services, regardless of 
                length of service or financial status.

                As we honor the patriots who perished on this tragic 
                day 82 years ago and the service members who defended 
                democracy in the days and years that followed, let us 
                carry forward their mission of forging a better future 
                for humankind, one of greater dignity, opportunity, and 
                security for all. Let us remember that we are the 
                United States of America--and there is nothing beyond 
                our capacity if we do it together.

                The Congress, by Public Law 103-308, as amended, has 
                designated December 7 of each year as ``National Pearl 
                Harbor Remembrance Day.'' Today, let us commemorate the 
                patriots who were wounded and who perished on December 
                7, 1941, and continue to fulfill our sacred obligation 
                to care for our service members; veterans; and their 
                families, caregivers, and survivors.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of 
                the United States of America, do hereby proclaim 
                December 7, 2023, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance 
                Day. I encourage all Americans to reflect on the 
                courage shown by our brave service members that day and 
                remember their sacrifices. I ask us all to give sincere 
                thanks and appreciation to the survivors of that 
                unthinkable day. I urge all Federal agencies, 
                interested organizations, groups, and individuals to 
                fly the flag of the United States at half-staff on 
                December 7, 2023, in honor of those American patriots 
                who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.

[[Page 85818]]

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

[FR Doc. 2023-27218
Filed 12-8-23; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3395-F4-P