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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 238 (Wednesday, December 11, 2024)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 99693-99694]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-29337]



                        Presidential Documents 



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

[[Page 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.

[[Page 99694]]

                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 forty-
                ninth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2024-29337
Filed 12-10-24; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3395-F4-P
```