[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 128, 113th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 9218--DEC. 5, 2014

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

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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.
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.
BARACK OBAMA