[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 129, 114th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9379 of December 4, 2015

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Nearly seven and a half decades ago, as dawn broke over the island of
Oahu, bombs broke through the sky as Japanese forces launched an
unprovoked attack on our Nation--absorbing America into a conflict that
would change the course of human dignity and freedom. More than 2,400
precious lives and much of our Pacific Fleet were lost, yet the ensuing
unification of our people proved mightier than the attack that aimed to
weaken us. On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we pay tribute to
the men, women, and children--military and civilian--who lost their
lives on December 7, 1941, honor all who served in the wake of that
infamous day, and recognize the sacrifices today's service members make
to carry forward the inextinguishable torch of liberty for generations
to come.
Reacting to the surprise attack, patriots from every corner of our
country answered the call to serve and banded together in common cause.
Sixteen million Americans left behind everything they knew and everyone
they loved to fight for freedom far from home and liberate a continent
from the grip of tyranny. Courageous individuals from all walks of life
crossed oceans and stormed beaches, uplifting a generation and paving
the way for our fiercest adversaries to become some of our closest
allies. In the example of those who came forth in the months and years
following the attack on Pearl Harbor, we see an enduring truth: that no
challenge is too great when we stand as one people committed to the
ideals which the stars and stripes symbolize.
Seventy-four years after the attack on Pearl Harbor, we endure as a
Nation dedicated to affirming the inherent dignity of every person--even
in the face of unspeakable violence. As President Franklin D. Roosevelt
said the day after the attack, ``the American people in their righteous
might will win through to absolute victory.'' On this day, let us honor
the memory of all who gave their lives so that President Roosevelt's
words could be realized, and let us resolve to uphold the legacy of our
country, for which generations of brave men and women have fought and
sacrificed.
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, 2015, 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

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those American patriots who died as a result of their service at Pearl
Harbor.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of
December, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
fortieth.
BARACK OBAMA