Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 236 / Thursday, December 9, 2010 / Presidential Documents 76613 

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 totalitarianism 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 halfstaff this December 7 in honor of those American patriots who died as 

a result of their service at Pearl Harbor. 


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76614 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 236 / Thursday, December 9, 2010 / Presidential Documents 

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. 

[FR Doc. 2010–31128 

Filed 12–8–10; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3195–W1–P 


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