Presidential Documents

85817 

Federal Register 

Vol. 88, No. 236 

Monday, December 11, 2023 

Title 3— 

The President 

Proclamation 10683 of December 6, 2023 

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2023 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

On this day 82 years ago, 2,403 service members and civilians were killed 

in a painful and unprovoked attack on our Armed Forces. On National 

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we remember these women and men, who 

gave their last full measure of devotion to our Nation. We honor the brave 

service members who—with the horrors of Pearl Harbor weighing on their 

hearts and the hopes of humanity resting on their shoulders—answered 

the call to defend freedom against the forces of fascism during World War 

II. 

The stories of the Greatest Generation’s ultimate courage and commitment 

continue to inspire an enduring sense of unity and purpose throughout 

our Nation. They remind us that, in the darkest of moments, we have 

the power to bend the arc of history toward a freer and more just future. 

They remind us that, from death, destruction, and division, we can build 

a better world—one grounded in peace and security. They remind us that 

the forces of tyranny and terrorism are no match for the flame of liberty 

that burns in the hearts of free people everywhere. Above all, they remind 

us that every generation can—and must—defeat democracy’s mortal foes. 

Together, we must continue to answer that call. We must continue to honor 

our sacred obligation to care for our service members; veterans; and their 

families, caregivers, and survivors—including our World War II veterans, 

who dared all and risked all for our country. With bipartisan support in 

the Congress, my Administration is meeting that obligation—including now 

welcoming all World War II veterans to enroll in Veterans Affairs health 

care services, regardless of length of service or financial status. 

As we honor the patriots who perished on this tragic day 82 years ago 

and the service members who defended democracy in the days and years 

that followed, let us carry forward their mission of forging a better future 

for humankind, one of greater dignity, opportunity, and security for all. 

Let us remember that we are the United States of America—and there 

is nothing beyond our capacity if we do it together. 

The Congress, by Public Law 103–308, as amended, has designated December 

7 of each year as ‘‘National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.’’ Today, let 

us commemorate the patriots who were wounded and who perished on 

December 7, 1941, and continue to fulfill our sacred obligation to care 

for our service members; veterans; and their families, caregivers, and survivors. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States 

of America, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2023, as National Pearl Harbor 

Remembrance Day. I encourage all Americans to reflect on the courage 

shown by our brave service members that day and remember their sacrifices. 

I ask us all to give sincere thanks and appreciation to the survivors of 

that unthinkable day. I urge all Federal agencies, interested organizations, 

groups, and individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff 

on December 7, 2023, in honor of those American patriots who died as 

a result of their service at Pearl Harbor. 


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85818 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 236 / Monday, December 11, 2023 / Presidential Documents 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of 

December, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three, and of the 

Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortyeighth. 

[FR Doc. 2023–27218 

Filed 12–8–23; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3395–F4–P 


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