[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 127, 113th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 9068--DEC. 5, 2013

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.



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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.
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.
BARACK OBAMA