    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 8614--DEC. 7, 2010

    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 totali-

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    tarianism 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.
    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.
    BARACK OBAMA