Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 238 / Wednesday, December 11, 2024 / Presidential Documents 99693 

Proclamation 10869 of December 6, 2024 

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2024 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we honor the 2,403 service 

members and civilians who were killed on that tragic December morning 

83 years ago. And we recognize the absolute courage of the service members 

who, in the wake of this painful and unprovoked attack, stood up to defend 

democracy and stand up to fascism abroad in World War II. 

As we reflect on the honors and triumphs of the Greatest Generation, we 

must remember that they risked all, dared all, and gave all not for a person 

or a place—but for the idea of America. They recognized that freedom 

is never guaranteed: Every generation has had to earn and defend it in 

the battle between autocracy and democracy. This service and sacrifice 

helped deliver a world grounded in peace and security. And together, these 

brave women and men proved that no force—not destruction, death, or 

the darkness of hate—is a match for the flame of liberty that ignites the 

hearts of free people everywhere. 

Today, we must be keepers of their mission and bearers of the flame of 

freedom they kept burning bright. That begins by honoring our sacred obligation to care for our service members and veterans and their families, caregivers, and survivors—especially our World War II veterans whose actions 

ensured that democracy endured. That is why my Administration began 

enrolling all World War II veterans, regardless of length of service or financial 

status, in Veterans Affairs health care services. And we also expanded access 

to benefits for those who participated in testing and clean-up activities 

related to World War II weapons programs, helping address radiation related 

illnesses for veterans and civilians. 

During National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, may we remember the 

brave patriots whose lives were cut short on this day 83 years ago. May 

we honor all the service members who gave their last full measure of 

devotion to defend democracy in the years that followed. And may we 

all recommit to fulfilling the future they fought for—one grounded in freedom, democracy, equality, and opportunity for all. 

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 perished and who were wounded on 

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

for our service members; our 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, 2024, 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, 2024, in honor of those American patriots who died as 

a result of their service at Pearl Harbor. 


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99694 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 238 / Wednesday, December 11, 2024 / 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-four, and of the 

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

[FR Doc. 2024–29337 

Filed 12–10–24; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3395–F4–P 


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